Looking for graduation party ideas for son's graduation. I have a few friends helping me sm
Posted By: kidsmom4 on 2009-04-05
In Reply to:
but any new ideas would be great too. This is my first born graduating so I'm kind of clueless what I'm doing. One friend suggested a poster board with lots of his pictures. My sister suggested putting his trophies, awards, acceptance letter from his college, etc. on a table. As far as food, we are having sloppy joes, meatballs, pulled pork sandwiches, possibly some sausage sandwiches, fried chicken, pasta salad, macaroni salad, german potato salad, olives, pickles, nuts, cookies, chips/pretzels, dip, cookies, cake, etc. Any more ideas?? I'll be doing this three more times (oldest son is 18, youngest son is 3 so I have a while in between - hopefully I'll be a "pro" by the time the youngest graduates!! XXXXX)
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We had my son's graduation party this past weekend which turned out great! please sm
Now I'm just wondering if I should do anything for the family/friends that helped with making some of the food, setting up, etc. Looking for advice from people that have been through this. Thanks
graduation
A few years ago, we had 5 in our family that were graduating, 3 from jr. high & 2 from high school... then again 3 from high school so we all ended up giving them $40 each.. I think it depends on what you think is affordable.. the gas card sounds great... I will have one this year graduating, a nephew, then one nephew next year & then my last child in school in 5 more years.. I'm gettin old.. lol
The school should know when graduation is - sm
contact them and inform the nephew of the date and the aunt.....and hope the graduation will be after the wedding or they may have a zillion excuses not to come as too busy with wedding stuff. Or ask the nephew just to have his wedding in June, or April. Good luck.
housewarming vs. graduation gift
My grandma got me luggage and my mom got me a pots and pans set.
Update on son graduation/nephew wedding
For those of you who may remember - my son is graduating high school this year and my nephew decided to get married in the same month. I had received an email from my SIL stating that my son's graduation best not interfere with her son's wedding. (longer story - that's the condensed version).
Anyways, my son's graduation is May 15. While at my SIL's today, they announced the wedding is May 11. SO, definitely no conflict (whew) but after a few minutes I realized that the 11th is on a Monday (apparently it's cheaper to get married during the week). And the wedding is in another town which means trying to get off work, get changed, gather all the kids, travel out of town (hour and a half away) and then get back home since the kids have school the next day and the adults all have to work the next day. (definitely not going to stress about it though and will be planning my son's graduation party for the following weekend  )
graduation gift for high school sm
I know this subject was brought up before and some said up to a thousand dollars for high school (grandparent). I cannot afford this and it is almost being hinted that the kid needs money although already has a brand new car, is working and is going to a local community college to save money. The kid literally has everything, nice home, clothes, etc. We have worked our fingers to the bone literally and can't just "hand over" part of our retirement savings. If we give anything from a store it is always taken back for the money as it is never "good enough" and with the parents' approval. I almost want to get something nice engraved so it can't be returned.(Luggage is out.) How much would you take out of your savings, I don't know what to do. What would your limit be for a gift to an 18-year-old? The kid is a good kid and not the kid's fault, kind of a "tradition" to expect "cash" as a gift.
I wish we could all go the week of the graduation but their graduations are always a week earlier th
ours. So actually all three of my kids are still in school this week while all of hers will already be out. My youngest is actually missing school to go but my two older kids have finals so they can't go at all that week.
Thank you. I guess I'm just trying to find a nice way to say it without causing friction and keeping the peace.
My DH is your typical male, just deal with it when the time comes whereas I want to take care of things right away without hurting anyone's feelings.
Party in SF as a send-off for friends leaving for Burning Man.
I'd love go myself, but can't afford it.....
Girly Birthday Party Ideas? sm
My daughter is having a "girly" birthday sleepover this weekend. I have a few ideas, but was wondering if anyone has any more?
Creative ideas needed for an adoption party...sm
Hi,
We are finalizing the adoption on Monday of our 7-year-old foster daughter. We're working on setting a date for a party to honor this event and are trying to come up with some creative ideas of how to make this extra special but without spending a cazillion bucks.
Please post your ideas. Thanks!
Anyone have any ideas on games to play at a luau birthday party? sm
My daughter is going to be 10 at the end of September and wants a luau themed party. I have decorations, a pinata, party favors and cake, but need something for games. I was thinking about pin the coconut on the palm tree! But not so sure I can draw a decent enough tree and coconuts!! LOL.
Any ideas for games?? Thanks. Also, cant be anything to wild as the party is being held in a party room at Pizza Hut.
Looking for simple game ideas for first grade Christmas party. nm
Well, VR is helping to pay
my bills so if I have to change mistakes that VR makes, so be it. Dictators make mistakes when dictating and guess what, you still have to change it....
LOL It went well. Thank you to everyone for helping!
I felt bad because none of the friends or extended family that she invited showed up. They all called to cancel.
We did not have leftover Turkey but plenty of desert and rolls. She bought 45 dinner rolls?! I think some of you are right that this is the beginning of sundowning for them. I will have to explain this to my husband because he just thinks they are losing their minds. I heard from another family member that MIL has a stash of a case candy bars in her closet and yesterday she went in the bedroom for cookie sheets to put the biscuits on. A little odd, especially being that they have extra storage area in the basement.
I think FIL took it as it was just that much less food that cost him money because he was so happy that I brought as much food as I did and kept saying how much he loved the veggie tray, etc. I think MIL was a little miffed when I got there because she didn't have room in her oven for the sides that I brought (or hers) because the single turkey breast was in the oven. There was enough room, she just didn't want to use the second rack in the oven for some reason. She didn't like my suggestion that if it was cooked to take it out of the oven and cover with foil and it would stay hot for 20 minutes while everything else finished. Luckily my BIL (who loves to cook) was there and he agreed with me and stepped in to help her out. You know I get the look like "stay the heck out of my kitchen and keep your opinion to your self" and afterwards he gets the look of "You have always been my favorite child, thank you" LOL But I understand things are different with moms and their own kids versus the spouse, especially with females.
So overall it turned out well and everyone had plenty to eat. We didn't have to run out for burgers or home for dinner.
You are a power of example by helping sm
When I was younger, I would not only cry, sometimes I would not attend or attend and not sleep for days. I think being in the MT business made me realize how short life is. I am amazed that now I look at death in a different way. I cannot believe how I have changed. Most of my friends were brought up to wear black, look sad, cry a lot. I was brought up to avoid it, stay away from wakes and funerals; so could not handle it. Thanks to transcribing so many autopsies, horrible situations, illnesses, educational seminars on death and dying, etc., I am finally able to celebrate life. I do have others now not understanding why I do not cry. It's a miracle to me that I don't have to act that way anymore. I think with age and experience, I have matured. I have a friend who barely worked outside the home. Her Mom died in July and she did not put up a tree, send cards, etc., this Christmas as she is still in mourning officially. I lost my younger sister, put an angel out front, white lights, etc. I did the same for my parents, lots of white lights. I do believe now in celebrating life. I spent the days before my father's funeral preparing a "program" for his funeral which was beautiful. I included my whole family in the funeral, chose the music, etc. This would not have been possible in my younger years. My SIL was confrontational when she saw me at work during the time we were awaiting the funeral (it was over a holiday). I told her I was t preparing for the funeral. There will be some whose family tradition is to cry, wear black, shut out the whole world for 30 days, that's their way. I am so happy that I now have a (what I consider) healthier attitude toward death. I cannot believe the change in my attitude. Perhaps we all celebrate life differently. I, for one, am happy I look at things differently. When people cry, mourn, carry on, it's probably their tradition and it will continue as this is what they are used to. They are not wrong to do so. My DIL's family all wear solid black and God forbid anyone even wear a white blouse to a funeral, it is considered disrespectful! All I know is, I love the new me, I am much happier today now that I have a different attitude. I hope people celebrate my life, not stop living. I am writing my own obit, short and sweet and will probably plan my own funeral instead of leaving that task to my kids. I celebrate the life and spirt left behind, but do not disrespect those who continue to wear black and cry, as that's the only way they know how to mourn and it's not wrong. We're all different, it takes time and sometimes traditions will never change in some cultures, they are entitled to their actions and opinions, it took me a long time to change but I am much healthier and happier now. All of this is IMHO, of course. You are doing your best in your own way, good job, we need the "doers" in times of grief as well as the mourners. I would rather be a doer and feel better "doing."
Oh, thank you for helping those dogs
get home. I'm sure they had a wonderful romp, and I'm glad they didn't get hurt. They are really smart dogs. Mine got loose many times without somebody breaking into my house!
I now work at a perennial plant nursery. I am an inventory control specialist, and it involves a lot of physical labor, which I am loving. I feel so much better than when I was locked in a chair all day. So far this company is doing okay financially, but not great with the economy. Last year was tough because of drought, and this year there was plenty of rain, so we had hoped for a great year until the economy went in the toilet. Many companies like this are going bankrupt, but so far we are okay, but no raises this year.
Helping kids, see inside
I bought my daughter her first car, something old, sound, reliable and safe, nothing snazzy, she paid her own insurance as she was in college and worked parttime. When that car went, I helped her get her next, took her to my dealer, we picked out something reliable, nothing sporty, I gave her the down payment and co-signed and she made her payments and paid her own insurance. Her college was a commute, not roads I would want her biclying or skateboarding on. When she was older, done with school, still with the parttime job, but actively seeking fulltime, she found a sporty car she wanted and I told her this time, she was on her own. In 1999, she got brand new car (at a much younger than I did), she paid it off early, she is now married, 31, has a house, working a good job and also working on making a family. I think little help can go a long way. I for one, am pround of her.
My dream would be a weekend of him helping (sm)
When he and I and the kids all work on getting everything back in order. But he would be angry the whole time, as if he shouldn't have to be doing it. I may end up hiring someone. I have thought about it all day. It would be worth it!
Of course it is!!! Makeup is for helping people
nm
Glad yours are helping.....my computer
xx
If he starts by helping himself, I will jump in. He saw
x
Any suggestions on helping my puppy with
let to be held.
Agree, you need a helping hand
When my sister had her first baby, she became overwhelmed quickly. You sound similar to how she was feeling. So my mom and I started helping her out here and there, going over and staying with my nephew so she could leave the house for a couple hours, even if it was to grocery shop or run errands, just so she could get out alone. Or we'd go get him and take him to our house for a couple hours, with instructions to her to TAKE A NAP or read a book, or something relaxing. If you have family or friends willing to help out, take them up on it. They wouldn't volunteer if they didn't want to do it.
My sister's husband was helping out too, but he worked a lot of hours, 6 days a week. In my sister's case, she was very independent and used to doing what she wanted when she wanted before the baby and I think that was part of what overwhelmed her, the feeling that she couldn't just pick up her purse and go somewhere as easily as before. Good luck. This will pass, don't be so hard on yourself.
Agree, you need a helping hand
When my sister had her first baby, she became overwhelmed quickly. You sound similar to how she was feeling. So my mom and I started helping her out here and there, going over and staying with my nephew so she could leave the house for a couple hours, even if it was to grocery shop or run errands, just so she could get out alone. Or we'd go get him and take him to our house for a couple hours, with instructions to her to TAKE A NAP or read a book, or something relaxing. If you have family or friends willing to help out, take them up on it. They wouldn't volunteer if they didn't want to do it.
My sister's husband was helping out too, but he worked a lot of hours, 6 days a week. In my sister's case, she was very independent and used to doing what she wanted when she wanted before the baby and I think that was part of what overwhelmed her, the feeling that she couldn't just pick up her purse and go somewhere as easily as before. Good luck. This will pass, don't be so hard on yourself.
Agree, you need a helping hand
When my sister had her first baby, she became overwhelmed quickly. You sound similar to how she was feeling. So my mom and I started helping her out here and there, going over and staying with my nephew so she could leave the house for a couple hours, even if it was to grocery shop or run errands, just so she could get out alone. Or we'd go get him and take him to our house for a couple hours, with instructions to her to TAKE A NAP or read a book, or something relaxing. If you have family or friends willing to help out, take them up on it. They wouldn't volunteer if they didn't want to do it.
My sister's husband was helping out too, but he worked a lot of hours, 6 days a week. In my sister's case, she was very independent and used to doing what she wanted when she wanted before the baby and I think that was part of what overwhelmed her, the feeling that she couldn't just pick up her purse and go somewhere as easily as before. Good luck. This will pass, don't be so hard on yourself.
was wondering about you....glad you're helping yourself
nm
Well you are really not helping matters or having people side with you
when you keep bragging about how wonderful your kids are and family your family is, lol.. and assuming everyone else's is all screwed up. You know what they say.....usually one who accuses is the one with the problems. People who truly have a wonderful family life and great kids do not usually have a need to keep reaffirming and reassuring everyone of that fact ; )
I think maybe the boy sucked out some of your sanity...
:)
Prime example of "when helping harms".
 Like the previous poster, as a dog lover, I am appalled that they would use this animal. Are you positive the dog even had surgery and if so, what kind just out of curiosity. Are you sure your money went to that. I also find it odd that the dog would still be in so much pain several months later. Are you sure the dude is not taking the meds himself? It happens. Desparate times call for desparate measures. I would just explain to her either on the phone, email or write her that while you value your friendship with her, you feel that you have gone beyond the call of friendship here and that you can not longer provide funding for the dog's care (or her son's drug habit). Technically, by not taking care of his responsibilities himself this is allowing him to take what money he should be using on the dog and spend this on drugs. Therefore, yes, making you an enabler as well. Just like they do on the show "Intervention". You have to quit giving in. Tell her that if she is not able to care for the dog that you will be glad to find or help her find a home for it, but that you no longer can afford financially and consciously to keep sending money. Just validate your friendship. If she is a true friend she will understand this. She might need more encouragement to break away from enabling him. It is hard to do. Trust me I have siblings that are addicted and we have had to just cut them off, especially after loosing another sibling only 5mos. earlier for same reason. This is one of those times "when helping harms". Attached is a great site to give you a little reassurance. Might send this to her as well. Good luck. Try to get the dog out if you can, that may be impossible though. If you think that without your care it is being abused, please report it to thier local animal society or animal control. This can be done anonymously.
your Trailer Park attitude is probably not helping
nm
My husband was doing me a "favor" by helping me hunt down
a new ergonomic keyboard a few years ago and he called our local Office Depot... Asked the person on the other end if they had any erogenous keyboards.
I was choking back the laughter and trying to get his attention to correct him but he's the kind of guy that HATES to be interrupted for ANYTHING so he held up his hand to me and gave me a dirty look, then repeated the question to the person on the other end who was no doubt having a fit of laughter themselves, transferred him to another department, where he repeated the question AGAIN.
By this time, I could not control myself any longer. I was laughing hysterically and he finally hung up the phone because he was mad at me. Then I explained to him what he was asking for and he was really mad.
I just said, aren't you glad they didn't say that they had some and you reserved one to be picked up later today?
I could just see him walking to the service counter to pick up the "erogenous keyboard" he had set aside! LOL
Medicare questions for helping my relative
I have a relative who wants to live alone although she really needs some basic care such as grocery buying, food prepared, light cleaning in her home, going to doctors appointments, the very basics of everyday life. I will be able to pay through her bank what she needs for lights, cable and things like that (she has gotten to where she cannot make out a check because of tremors in her hands). She went to live with another relative and it has not worked out at all. She has been on her own for years and wants to be that way again as much as possible. Is there anyone out there who knows what Medicare does to help out the elderly and give me any information you might have.
When you have friends - it's good. But when you don't have friends it's
REALLY GOOD!!!
I swear, I have this one friend who just gets mad at me stupid stuff. I told her a few weeks ago that I could probably go out this sat. but now I can't make it (just dinner). So, I emailed her and told her I can't go. She's upset. Thinks I should not have made plans in the first place. Well, things come up.
Why are people (women) so catty? Immature?
Are there any women out there who can: Forgive, understand, not get offended because I am not perfect? If so, I'd like to meet you. I highly doubt she exists though.
I've decided to start a cookie business! Anyone up for helping me out with a name?
I know with the economy and all, it's probably not a good time to open a new business, but I've been thinking about this for years and just want to do it anyway and very happy and excited about it!
So, some words I've been playing around with are yummy, goodies, goodness, sweets, comfort, cookies ... but nothing is really grabbing me. I've even tried to think of ideas without those type of words above, such as "Big D's" or whatever.
If anyone has any good ideas, I'd love to hear them!
Boy's 7th B-day party
I am trying to think of a birthday party idea for 7-year-old boys at home. We usually do bowling or Chuck E Cheese-type party, but this year we are trying to not spend as much on the party because we are going on a big vacation 2 weeks after that. I am thinking scavenger hunt in the back yard, but any ideas would be great. Thanks!
B-day party
I think it was my daughter's 13th birthday that we rented a karaoke machine. There were kids ranging from 3-18 at that party and they had the time of their lives!
party
how about manicures and pedicures
party
Kerstin...What a lovely name! Do you have a pool nearby (recreation center)?...We used to....and it was free if you lived in the township....That'll be good recreation and exercise for kids and adults. Just make sure all the kids can swim...and don't rely on a lifeguard (I jumped in once after a kid before the teen lifeguard who was chatting up a young lady could be bothered to even look up).
Light snacks after swim....Knorr Swiss spinach dip with bread and taco chips, have a mild salsa available too, barbequed pork shoulder/pulled pork, barbequed chicken of just plain old hot dogs on the grill, buns, fresh sliced tomatoes and fresh fruit salad with seedless watermelon, canteloupe, strawberries, green grapes, pineapple chunks (Cool whip adds a nice touch) for desert. All these things you can do the night before (except the hot dogs) so you can relax and enjoy the moment. Just microwave the meat. Juicy Juice Berry always works....you could add a little ginger ale to make it more effervescent.
Considering there may be so many adults, you could ask them what their tastes are and if they'd be willing to bring a covered dish or help with prep.
All that matters is that Kerstin has a wonderful time. Peace and Joy to you Kerstin and all ya'll have a happy life together.
Cat
party
That was a brilliant idea....I've gotta write that one down for when I have grandchildren....
pinata party? .............nm
Scrapbook party
I did a scrapbook party for 4th grade. The girls had to bring two pictures of themselves. They would decorate two 5x7 pages, one they got to keep and the other with a special happy birthday message for my daughter to keep in a scrapbook. She still loves having that and she is in 10th grade.
Party idea
My daughter turned 10 this spring. We had a birthday breakfast kidnap. The girls received a bogus invitation (their parents and I had chatted ahead of time). Instead of the party time on the invite, we showed up at houses between 7 and 7:30am on a Sunday morning, woke them up, and took them to a diner for breakfast in their pjs! It was the quietest birthday meal ever! They loved it! At each house ALL the girls would go wake up their friend. Poor kids!
After breakfast we came home and made lip gloss, decorated flip flops, and wrapped tshirts in tie dye shirts (I dyed them later and ironed on a transfer with the party date on it...).
The goody bags were from the Dollar Store and were vinyl shower totes with a toothbrush, really cool looking hairbrush, and a picture frame which I filled w/a picture from the restaurant.
I had made a tshirt shaped cake which DD decorated with gel to look tie dyed.
HTH
Looks like you are ready to party.
I'll be right over. LOL Have a nice weekend. Plan on having a couple of cocktails myself. It has been a long week.
Yes, let daughter go to the party.
nm
adoption party
Congratulations! It'll be a grand celebration! Not many folks out there like you. Give me some particulars...
What is her name...her favorite color...favorite snack...is she allergic to chocolate...is she a princess or a tomboy?...Does she like art, music or dance....maybe baseball, or basketball, hockey?...So many factors to consider. School's already in by you...How many kids and adults will be in attendance?
Cat
adoption party
I have a 7-year-old daughter and she is into Hannah Montana and tea parties. We had a tea party this year on her actual birthday (we had a "big" party at the movie theater, thus the lack of funds! I made chocolate edible tea cups (Google it, it's easier than it sounds) day before. Have thinly-sliced ham and cheese croissants (or just cut the crust off of white bread) top them with a toothpick and grape. Slice strawberries and fan them around carefully placed mandaring oranges and pineapples(out of the can). Serve the tea cups about 10 minutes after they leave the table. Invite some girls that you know she will be going to school with, this will help her become familiar with them. Have dress up items or barbies out. Board games have been popular for us, or swing sets and outdoor play. Ask the other mothers for guidance here. You can find lots of other simple ideas at birthdaypartyideas.com. Love the site and use it all the time. Good luck. It sounds like you are already on the right track.
Adoption Party
If it is hot still where you live, why not have an ice cream sundae party. We have done this for the kids a couple of ways. Once we got parfait cups from the DQ- they were happy to donate some, and bought ice cream and different toppings and sprinkles along with some fruit. Another time, with a group of boys after school we used a piece of gutter (new) about 6 feet long and let the boys make a huge banana split with all the fixings and Reddi Whip in the can. They loved making the huge dessert and it was a lot of fun for all. Just an idea.
party food
Ever had Apple/Cinnamon pizza? 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 1 can 21 oz apple pie filling, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tblsp. melted butter. Spread c. roll dough on either baking stone, pizza pan, etc. make sure it is really together with no holes in it. bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. In the meantime, melt butter and mix butter, brown sugar with apple filling. take dough from oven, spread with filling, bake another 8 minutes. Let cool. Put icing from can of rolls in microwave for a few seconds to thin out a little. When pizza is cool, drizzle icing over top. This can be made with peaches, too. I always get rave reviews with it. Have fun!
first grade party
Last year when my little girl was in first grade, they had a Teddy Bear tea party for the holidays. Each child could make an ornament or buy one to exchange as a gift. They could wear pj's and bring a teddy bear. Parents were invited. A sign up list for goodies was included. The teacher read stories, and they played music with musical chairs and pin the tail on the elf, I think. They had a lot of fun. The theme was nice too for the little ones, does not matter boy or girl they all like tea parties at that age. For my little boy in first grade, I just sent in cupcakes. I went to the dollar store and got them each a gift which the teacher wrapped and they took turns taking from a bag. Santa (her husband)made a surprise appearance, and once again she read stories to them while they had punch and cupcakes. The other teacher who shared the classroom gave out polar express tickets for the kids to hold at the party and later to take home. It was very cute and fun. Whatever you do have a great time. Happy Holidays
Party tonight...
Other than being well hydrated and snacking, any other suggestions to stave off a hangover in the morning....just in case I might have 1 too many Fuzzy Navels?
It's my first NYE party in ages...I'm so excited!!! 
Over the Hill Party sm
You can have a big bash with old friends from school, stating no gifts, and just have refreshments and put on a favorite football game.You could have a team theme. There are plenty of "over the hill" items around. A few friends or just the family, you can buy napkins, plates, etc., at a party store. Depends on his personality, Spencer Gifts is great for small stuff, but be careful, some of it is adults only. If money is tight, you could do a "Dollar Store Only" gift party which would apply to him. My husband has a terrific sense of humor, so it was easy. He likes to cook, so I bought him a paper chef's hat at a party store and a big frying pan and some oven mitts. I asked others just to bring funny over-the-hill cards only, no gifts. There are tons of possibilities, it depends on his personality. I happen to have one that loves funny gifts and feels embarrased if anyone gives him money or gifts. If he isn't that type, then something more sedate would be in order. The main thing - have fun! If your transcription money is just rolling in - a big TV to watch the game or his favorite show. (That's a joke.)
slumber party!!!
Peers are usually pretty good in helping in the make-up category. That way, they all look bad togheter and they're still cool!! LOL
I'm not sure how to say this, but this is not a really huge issue. It's just one superficial way preteens/teens start their quest toward independence and getting to know themselves.
While makeup can be an outward reflection of who she is, her personality and moral character are better indicators. The make-up thing will even out in the long run.
My daugher went through the glitter, the goth, and about every other phase I can think of and she's in college now, well-adjusted, making awesome grades and puts on foundation if she remembers LOL.
So, back to my subject line... have a slumber party or a make-up party and see what happens! :-)
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