Ideas, Poems, Links, Games: Family Reunions

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 01:21:21 07/05/03 Sat
Author: janet
Subject: looking for family reunion ideas to make myself

Hello ,
I am looking for some family reunion momento ideas. I've been thinking about making some cook books, family directories, but would like some ideas for some small tokens for everyone to take home with them as a remembrance. Does anyone have any ideas to share with me.
Thank You,
Janet

Replies:

[> Re: looking for family reunion ideas to make myself -- Kennedy, 20:56:08 07/06/03 Sun [1]

For a bridal shower this year ...we were asked to bring a recipe...With the recipes we included a bit of a history about the recipe or person. It turned out so good we are using it for our next reunion as we had old recipes and current ones given...Pictures of the person who gave the recipes can be used to.

[> Re: looking for family reunion ideas to make myself -- SallyIndy, 09:31:44 07/07/03 Mon [1]

I do clay hand prints of all the small children there {Just trace their hand on clay and cut it out}Then I make a windchime which we raffle off..{selling tickets helps cover costs for mailing reunion information. I also do the potato salad bowl. but you need access to a ceramic studio kiln for this one. Have everyone who attends sign their name on a large bisc bowl. I paint over the names with color pigment, glaze and fire. Next year the finished bowl is a doorprize and family members (adults only) can only win one time..goal is that every family member will get a Reunion potato salad bowl...if I live long enough! Its fun! >^..^<

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 08:32:11 07/10/03 Thu
Author: Kay(PA)
Subject: Poem or saying needed for bookmarks

Judy posted this earlier, but I don't think any of our poets saw it. I think it would be nice to have a generic poem where any family name could be inserted. The poem could be general about families, reunions, traditions etc. Anyone have any ideas. I thought Judy's idea of a bookmark was a great idea and I just might use it in the future for one the two reunions I have to prepare for.

Thanks for helping ladies.

Date Posted: 14:46:28 07/08/03 Tue
Author: Judy
Subject: bookmarks

Hi

I have decided to use an idea presented on here already. I want to make bookmarks for my family reunion and need just a very short saying about family to go on them. Does anyone have a good idea for me? Thanks a lot in advance!!

Judy

Replies:

[> Re: Poem or saying needed for bookmarks -- Cami, 16:31:11 07/10/03 Thu [1]

A reunion full of fun,
Of love and togetherness,
The __________ family reunion,
A gathering of happiness.

This bookmark is to remind you,
Of all the fun and cheer,
Of all the caring and sharing,
Of family from far and near.

Please use this as you read,
To help you mark your page.
To keep fresh all the good times,
We had on reunion day.

Hope this helps......
Cami

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 19:36:07 02/18/04 Wed
Author: Nancy
Subject: help with a poem

I am hosting a very large family reunion in June. I am in the process of making up presentation boards with pictures, sayings, poems ect to place on a memory table. One of the boards I am doing are pictures of many aunts and uncles thru out their years. Most are still living, a couple have passed away. I would love to place a poem in the middle of this presentation. I can't seem to come up with something about aunts and uncles, or just family in general. I am not very good with words.
I enjoy this board. I don't get on everyday, and I seldom seem to beable to help, you ladies just know so much more than me!!
Thank you for your help. Nancy

Re: help with a poem -- jenjoy, 23:09:19 02/18/04 Wed [1]

Each member of our family
Holds a special place
Including aunts and uncles
Who also can be traced
As mothers, sons and daughters
Fathers, brothers too
Everyone belongs here
Including me and you
For the ties that bind us tightly
Is a gift from God above
Each member helps complete the
Circle of our love
Jennifer Byerly

Re: help with a poem -- jenjoy, 23:18:38 02/18/04 Wed [1]

Write life without a family~
And who would read it through?
Paint life without our famlies—
Where is the rainbow hue?
Build life without our families-
And who would live therein?
For a famlies glow
Leads to the goal
That each of us would win…

I am grateful to Heaven~For blessings it’s sent~
For peace and good friends~For success and content~
I am grateful for health~And for skies bright and blue~
But most of all grateful~ For a family like you.

Any house that gives shelter to you,
No matter where it may be,
Is always a palace of Happiness,
And a place of joy to me ~
If it be a castle ~ or cottage ~
On a mountain ~ or in a vale ~
It's your family that keeps it bright
With a light that will never fail!

(all author's unknown- early 20th century)

Re: help with a poem -- Nancy, 11:16:30 02/19/04 Thu [1]

Thank you both so much for the poems. Much appreciated.
Nancy

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 09:44:46 03/12/04 Fri
Author: LindaE
Subject: Tee-shirt joke message for family reunion

Hi, You ladies help me so much with odd item for my sister's shower I thought of something else. My family & I are going on a cruise to Alaska this summer. And on 1 vacation I saw a group that Had tee-shirt made up with sayings on them. Example- I'm with Aunt Rose. Rose's Son, Rose's Husband., Rose, Etc. All done as a joke. If anyone has any ideas please let me know there is going to be about 20 of us. And I would like to do this on my mother. HELP PLEASE!!!
THANKS!!!!!

Replies:

[> Re: Tee-shirt joke message for family reunion -- bonnie, 22:44:32 03/12/04 Fri [1]

How about: If lost, please return to (your mom's name)

[> Re: Tee-shirt joke message for family reunion -- jacksmum, 00:07:07 03/13/04 Sat [1]

Across the top of the shirt: the family Surname
A picture of a tree - even a family tree with a few names on
then underneath the saying:
Shake your family tree and watch the nuts fall!

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 09:27:31 07/18/03 Fri
Author: Mary Southern
Subject: just found really great idea to add to family reunion survival kit

I was looking thru a magazine and saw a sign that you hang on the wall and it says "Our Family is a circle of strength and love" I thought wouldn't this be great to go in survival kit (the saying not the sign) with a mini wreath or even just a gold ring you buy in wedding department of craft store.
I wish I had found this when I was making my kits.

Replies:

[> Re: just found really great idea to add to family reunion survival kit -- Celina, 09:48:55 07/18/03 Fri [1]

You could also sew a few scraps together and say:
Our family is stitched with love.

Reference this link: http://www.craftsayings.com/archives/pa ... kits.shtml

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 09:47:06 06/09/03 Mon
Author: Kay(PA)
Subject: Family Reunion survival Kit and other ideas

I was please to see the previous post about the Family Reunion survival kit. I have two family reunions I'm in charge of each year and I'm looking for something to give each family member. Since I've joined this list, I've gotten several ideas. I'm debating whether I want to do just one thing for everyone, or do an assortment and let people take their pick. Has anyone else been in charge of a family reunion before, and what do you do?

I'm also wondering if anyone can add anything else to the items in the below Family Reunion Kit that was posted by
jazbo.

Family Reunion kit
… calling card- to keep in touch (I print them on my computer)
… clock-time passes so quickly
… elastic- we just keep growing and growing as a family
…jewel-you are precious to all of us
…nuts -to remind you of the nutty times this family has shared
…Playing card - because you are such an important player
…Puzzle - I saw one with a jigsaw piece that said - without you life just wouldn't be complete.
…rock -you give our family strength

Thank you for all your help.
Kay

Replies:

[> Re: Family Reunion survival Kit and other ideas -- jazbo, 13:11:18 06/09/03 Mon [1]

You can custom design your own 'kit' - just pick something & adapt it to suit your family reunion theme. For instance, a rubber band - let's band together & have a great time!

If there is something specific you are looking for(like appreciation, we need each other, etc.) I can check my files & you can pick & choose what you need.

… Date Book-to remind you of all the "Special days" in your life.
… Memory game -May you always cherish all the wonderful memories you have together.
…thanks for adding joy to our family (Almond Joy)
...heaven knows you’re special (angel)
...It’s a real treat to have you in our family! (any sweet treat)
...catch the spirit of the ________ Family Reunion ( a ball)
...these are the 'bear'facts: (make up something that applies to your family, old family joke, etc.) (toy bear)
...…you’re “Ever-ready” to help with assignments, potluck, etc. (a battery)
...family is like a quilt, it never loses its warmth
…water families for? (bottle of water)

How about seed packets or small potted plants: We are growing as a family; The Jones Family: …it’s a growing concern; etc.

Do you all do any genealogy at your reunions?
frog...…wart’s new?
…ladder: in case you are stuck in your family tree & can’t get down
…clock: because they are time unravelers
…pruning sheers: because some family trees need pruning
…toy gun: for hunting fore-bears
…tracing paper: for tracing ancestors
…needle & thread: because your genes may be faded & full of holes

You get the idea. I hope this helps. *smile*

[> Re: Family Reunion survival Kit and other ideas -- Barbaratx, 09:54:34 06/17/03 Tue [1]

We have a cousin's reunion each year and I try to give everyone something that I've made. One year I told everyone that the company I work for had a wonderful year and gave everyone a huge bonus, and I wanted to share it with my family. So I gave all the women a dime-on-pin (diamond pin). I glued a dime on a pin back. I gave all the men a dime-on-tack (diamond tie tack). I glue a dime on a tack. I put each gift in a little box, wrapped them in gold wrapping paper and used blue ribbon for the men's gifts and pink ribbon for the women's gifts. Everyone got a kick out them.

[> Re: Family Reunion survival Kit and other ideas -- CrazeeMoi, 20:56:12 07/01/03 Tue [1]

Here is a variety of things you can add to a survival kit
http://geocities.com/survivalkits/items.html

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 22:53:07 04/19/04 Mon
Author: mo
Subject: ideas for a family reunion

My family and I are in charge of games and prizes at our family reunion this year. We would appriciate any ideas. Hand is the family name. Thanks in Advance

Replies:

[> Re: ideas for a family reunion -- jazbo, 23:48:42 04/19/04 Mon [1]

Hmmmmm......hand things:

Hand
...handsome
…handy
…helping hand
…hand it to you
…Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. --Ecclesiastes 9:10
…you deserve a hand
…you deserve a pat on the back

Hand lotion
…for a soft touch
…smooth away –

Gloves
…because you are so handy to have around
…thanks for lending a hand

Clock
…don’t get tic’d off
…enjoy every moment
…I love you every minute of the day
…it’s about time (you were mine; feeling better, etc)
…make the most of time
…rise & chime
…this is the right time to –
…tic-led (tickled)
…time flies
…toc to me

...Gloves (work, garden, disposable, etc)
...mittens
...disposable gloves filled with popped corn
...clocks (minute & second hands)
...hand lotion
...anything that will come in 'handy' - bandaids, can opener, scissors, nail clippers, nail polish, candy rings, etc.
...tools - any 'hand' tool
...something about hands
...something done with the hands
...something done to hands

Hope you can find something useful here. Have fun & let us know what you come up with. (((hugs)))

[> Re: ideas for a family reunion -- LeeW, 00:11:32 04/20/04 Tue [1]

Here are just a couple of sites that came up on a "google search" of free games for family reunions. Just copy and paste.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980625c.cfm

http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=child ... l%23Family

http://www.reuniontips.com/resource.html

http://www.family-source.com/qry/family+reunion+games/

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 11:41:36 06/05/03 Thu
Author: craftylady
Subject: looking for a poem

Hi am new to this site and love it .
i was wondering if any of you talented ladys could help me come up with a poem for a Mitchell family reunion this saturday i am making a pot with the seed packets in it

[> Re: looking for a poem -- Kay(PA), 10:55:27 06/06/03 Fri [1]

I haven't tried the seed packets yet,but this is a great idea since I have two family reunions every year, both held at my house. The first one in July with about 40-50 people, the second in August with anywhere from 50-100+. What type of seeds would you suggest using since the reunions are held in mid-summer? Any other ideas for small gifts?

Thanks for the idea and the poems.

[> Re: looking for a poem -- gingersnap, 15:26:36 06/05/03 Thu [1]

For all our loving
family who have
gathered here...
These seed packets
are a remembrance
that we would like
to share....
So take one home
with you, plant
them in the ground.
When they come up
next year, memories
of our reunion will
abound....

Hope this helps....

[> Re: looking for a poem -- jacksmum, 18:38:24 06/05/03 Thu [1]

Here's a poem I wrote ages ago. Hope it helps:

We share the same roots
just like these precious seeds
we belong to the one family
and understand each others needs.
So plant,nuture and treasure
the seeds you get today
and may the flowers remind you
of family both near and far away.
~Sue Pitchfork~

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 14:09:05 04/25/04 Sun
Author: jackie
Subject: family reunion poem

I need a poem to put on a family reunion invitation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[> Re: family reunion poem -- jacksmum, 01:46:01 04/26/04 Mon [1]

Jackie I hope this helps.
Sue

It’s family reunion time
for our branch of the tree,
so we hope you’ll be able
to join the clan and me.
A time of great laughter
catching up with long lost kin,
when we all get together
let the fun begin.
~Sue Pitchfork~

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 10:33:26 06/13/04 Sun
Author: carmelita
Subject: Family Reunion Crafts

My cousins and I are having our first "fun" (other than an occasional wedding and funeral) family reunion 4th of July weekend in Atlanta,GA.

I am tasked with bringing some craft stuff that we can all make easily. We are calling ourselves the "Fork and Spooners" as at the last funeral we had, the priest gave a sermon about a man who had passed away and had a fork (and spoon?) in his casket. The significance being that he would be ready to partake in the feasts that awaited him in Heaven.

Anyways, I already plan on making the mint books with our info on it (maybe make these magnets too) and also laminated card bookmarkers. But I would also like to do something with plastic spoons and forks.

Maybe this could be one of our projects - sorta like the spoonful of hugs and kisses that some folks do for a bridal shower or wedding. I hear that it is hot, so no candies that will melt and also maybe I should make this patriotic too - good way to use my red white and blue ribbon.

Help!!! I have too many ideas in my head.

What do you think of the yoyo angel pins? Should I make them up ahead of time or let everyone do it all, just provide the supplies? How about paperclip angels? All I can think of is girly stuff but I'm sure the guys won't be participating in this.

Should I do buttons for us to wear( I have the machine to do these) and bring a marker to put our names on?

I am so enhausted thinking about about all of this... Carmen

Didn't someone else do a post on this awhile back???

Replies:

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- jazbo, 11:56:39 06/13/04 Sun [1]

Hey, Carmen! Sounds like you have a great bunch of ideas already. Do you mind if I throw some ideas out there, too?

How about making a wind chime from old silverware? The guys might like drilling holes, etc.

Stick a fork in a small clay pot & fill with plaster. Decorate. It can hold a recipe in the tines of the fork.

Have you seen those lacy fans they make from plastic forks? They are for decoration.

Somewhere I saw a picture of a spoon made into a pincushion. The handle was bent around & velvet-covered batting is glued into the bowl of the spoon.

This isn't really made out of a fork or spoon, but it useful for them. Take a rectangle of fabric, maybe 5x6". Put right sides together with another piece & sew around 3 sides; turn right side out. Pin the opening, ready to sew. Fold the piece in half, 2 1/2 x 6"; sew along the long open side & across the opening for turning at the bottom. Add a 18" handle from bias tape or something similar. You now have this little pocket to put your picnic silverware & napkin in, which will now dangle from your wrist, freeing both hands for dishing up!! I hope this makes sense. If not just play around with it - I have no pics - just made it up years ago.

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- Dell, 15:11:37 06/13/04 Sun [1]

The popcorn wrappers would be fun.I love themThey are on www.sassyprints.com.You could do firecracker poop.They got red and blue fishies crackers out right now.

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- trish, 17:17:11 06/13/04 Sun [1]

one thing I started at our reunions was I cut (hundreds+++++) of unbleached muslin pieces (6") squares. Each member signed them with their own signature or saying and signature-- like an autograph book. The number of pieces each signed was as follows:

we had 20 familes represented,(about 60 people)
so each person signed 20 squares.

These squares were then separated into 20 bundles.(1200 pcs or 60 pcs each bundle)

Each family took home an identical bundle. They would later quilt these pieces for family quilts. it sounds like alot, but I bought the muslin for $1.49 cents a yard (30 yards at joanns-- used a 40% off coupon also + a Bunch of fabric pens.(total cost about $50 less than $1 per family) These make great wedding quilts for the family and These are a great activity and will last a lifetime of memories.

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- lou, 18:22:49 06/13/04 Sun [1]

Have you thought about the dieters
spoon and fork?

drill holes in the spoon-so the food
will leak out and you won't eat much.

bend back a couple of tines on the fork.
therefore it won't pick up much.
if you use plastic you can just break
off the two tines.

Then put ribbon or whatever you like
to decorate.

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- carmelita, 23:22:17 06/13/04 Sun [1]

Jazbo, Dell, Trish and Lou...thank you so much for the great ideas. I have this post copied so I won't forget.

Some of these ideas are good for future craft shows too and the silverware pocket would also be cute to make as a gift in holiday prints.

Going to check out Sassyprints right now! Thank you again!! Carmen

[> Re: Family Reunion Crafts -- Lynn, 11:44:19 06/14/04 Mon [1]

How about cool ties made in patriotic print material since it is going to be hot where you will be. I am going to San Antonio next summer for a church women's convention and that is what my group is bringing for our "give-away". We are doing ours in sunflower material. I see a tub filled with ice water and cool ties!

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 20:27:43 06/29/04 Tue
Author: jill
Subject: HELP !! I need a craft for a family reunion.

Help!! This year at our annual Chenevey family reunion the family in charge this year decided to have a talent show. Since I do not sing, dance, play an instrument etc I thought that I would show my talent as doing crafts. I need something that I can make and pass out to each person. Maybe something in a bag with a poem to go with it. We have the reunion at a park where we play baseball, play games with the little kids, eat food and socialize. The aunts and uncles that are still living is as follows: Hal, Sally, Odile, Dorothy, Jim, Eileen, Theresa and Gert.
Any help will be truly appreciated. Thanks alot.


Replies:

[> Re: HELP !! I need a craft for a family reunion. -- lou, 22:52:56 06/29/04 Tue [1]

just a suggestion.give the aunts and uncles
old timer pills and a poem etc. but also remember
as far back as you can, something funny or
sentimental or whatever about each person and
print out the saying to go with the pills.
This should make it more special to them.
they may have good things about them that
they don't even recognize.

[> Re: HELP !! I need a craft for a family reunion. -- JudyW, 18:08:34 06/30/04 Wed [1]
Jill
We had a family reunion last year and I made fans.Everyone just loved them. On one side I put the family name and on the other side I decorated it a little and put on the top for phone #s and email addresses.Everyone had a great time collecting email addresses and phone # from people they haven't seen in years
Hope this helps
JudyW

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 07:53:12 07/26/04 Mon
Author: Diane
Subject: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion

Okay "GIRLS" I have a reunion coming up in about a month and I need to do the Traditional Gifts. (for example - oldest, youngest, travel farest, you know what I mean) Well, I would like to do something different. The same people get it all the time. Would like some different questions to get winners. Any Ideas????? Also, what I could buy for the prizes. One year my cousin - her gifts went with her questions!!! My brain just doesn't think like that - wish it did. (just like these poets - I don't know how they do it!)
Thanks in advance, Diane -HUGS-

P.S. We are also going to play Dirty Bingo for Door Prizes!!

Replies:

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Caboobie, 09:48:47 07/26/04 Mon [1]
Ok you've got my attention - What's dirty bingo? lol

Note: Inserting this separate post that explains Dirty Bingo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Posted: 16:54:29 07/26/04 Mon
Author: Diane
Subject: Dirty Bingo Explained
Well here goes. Hope I can explain it enough that you understand. When I first started doing it - I didn't know what it was called. A lady at our church calls it dirty bingo. Maybe some of you know it by something else.

Dirty Bingo
You go out and buy a bunch of gifts. Price depends on how much you want to spend. And you could buy enough so that every one gets one. If someone ends up with more them one - then when the game is over - anyone who doesn't have a prize can go take one from someone who has more then one. We have played it using your name. We wrote our name on 3 pieces of paper - put into a basket and pull out one at a time. All prizes are on a table and when your name is called you get to pick one. When all prizes are off the table - then you can start taking from anyone. Whoever has what you want. Another time done at Christmas was to write your favorite Cmas color and favorite Cmas song. You could do birthday months. Its alot of fun when you use something like colors - then you have more then one person up getting gifts. Hope this explains it enough - if you have any questions just ask - maybe I forgot something.

Sample of prizes used:
flashlight
gallon windshield washer
package of cookies
boxes of jello
pudding
lunch cakes
graham crackers
snack crackers
cans of fruit
tuna
mac & cheese
bag of pasta
jar spaghetti sauce
bag chips
pretzels
chees curls
box tissues
paper towels
toilet paper
box envelopes
writing paper
notebook paper
pens
pencils
I think that you get the idea for prizes.
One year I put 2 boxes of jello in a frozen chicken pattie box and taped it shut. SURPRISE BOX - you would not believe how many times that changed hands.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Kay(PA), 09:52:10 07/26/04 Mon [1]
Diane,
I'm in charge of my husband's family reunion. Don't ask me how that happened since I'm the in-law. They's been doing this for 14 years now. On the tenth year, we played a Bingo game. This took some doing on my part, but using Excel, I made up Bingo cards using everyone's first name. I made a list of first names, including ancestor's. Then in excel, I filled in the blocks for however many cards it took to place one name in each block. Then the next group, I began by moving the names over one block and continued until I had enough cards for everyone and the names were altered so that no two cards had the same name in the same box. I then printed the names on slips of paper, put them in a container and when my husband pulled a name, they played just like Bingo. I would have used the last name on the top instead of bingo, but since the name is Knapp, it would have been difficult with two P's. We had an assortment of prizes ranging in price from $1.00 - $3.00 items. Like tea towels, notepads, small toys for children, packages of pencils, pens, shop towels, wire brushes, car wash, tea bags, jar of peanuts, bag of candy etc. We tried to include gifts for men, women and children. We played bingo several times, and they didn't want to quit but we had to since we also had a friend coming to do a majic show.

Everyone enjoyed it so much, the next year, they asked if we were going to play bingo again. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared with gifts so we decied we would play it every 5 years. Next year is the year to play again. I will have to make some new cards as we have new family members.

The one thing nice about using names of ancestors is it generated conversation between the younger folks and the older folks. Like when we called the name Zacharies, the younger ones said, "Who is that?" The older ones responded, "That's you great-grandfather. He was married to Elizabeth." Or like when we called out Delmar, and someone would ask who that was, one of my husbands cousins said "That was my father, your grandfathers's brother."

Another thing I'm working on for the 15th year, is I'm doing a crossword puzzle using family facts and names. This has really taken some time. I'm doing this in Excel as well. I've made a grid of blocks and worked in names & places. I'm trying to use questions like, 4 across - The name of Diane and Alan's middle daughter (Diane and Alan are normally at the reunion as well as their daughter Jennifer. The answer would be Jennifer. Then maybe using the one "N" in Jennifer, a questions would be 7 down - Where did the Robbins family land settle when they arrieved in America? The answer would be New Jersey. If they already didn't know the answer, they could look it up in the genealogy book I've put together under the Robbin's section.
This I plan on giving them about hour to work on this and then at the end, we will see who answered the most correctly, and give prizes.

Something else I'm working on is a scavenger hunt. Not one where they received the list of items prior to the reunion, but one where we would divide them up into teams, either by tables or just form some groups. Everything they need to "find" would be things that most people carry with them. Each groug would be given a sheet of paper with a number on it. They need to select one person from the group as a runner, but at times anyone could come up depending on what is asked for. That person would bring the requested item to my husband. I would have a sheet with all the group numbers on. When my husband would say, "Show me something with teeth", they would need to bring us something with teeth, like a comb or just themself smiling, but you would be surprise as to how many people don't think of the ovious. Another questions would be "Show me a library card" or "I need a man wearing lipstick" or a "women wearing a man's shoe". We are compling a list of things to ask for so hopefully we will have it ready for next year. Like I said, most things would be found in a women's purse, a man's wallet or something they may be wearing. The first group to show him the item would get say 5 points, the second group would get 3 points and the third group would get 1 point. At the end, the group with the most points wins a prize. We figured is we could put them in groups of 10 or less, we could buy 10 gifts all the same. We were thiking of packages of candy, small picture fames, tablets and pencils or $5.00 gift certificates from Walmart for each member in the group. The first group would get the most expensive gifts, the second group and small gift and the third group the enexpensice gift.

We do the door prise drawing of baskets filled with theme items each year. One year I did a car wash bucket, a pasta basket and I used a mug from a local ammusement park with a free handstamp pass and some candy. The ammusement park one, we did just for children under 18 years of age.

Every year we take up a collection for things like this so we have prizes according to the donations we received. Of course knowing that we plan to do something special every 5 years, we don't go overboard on the door prize drawing each year

I'm sure this isn't what you are looking for, but we have had fun with the Bingo game and I hope they enjoy the crossword puzzle and the scavenger hunt.

Good luck with your reunion. I know they are a lot of work to organize, but I feel it's important in this day and age, to do everything we can to keep families together and enjoy each other's company.

Kay

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- jenjoy, 12:13:30 07/26/04 Mon [1]

wow Kay! Your ideas are super! I got a chuckle out of your being an in-law but still planning the reunion!! You sound super creative and I'm sure word got out so you were a natural for the job!!!!

Diane - I'm thinking about your traditional game now...hmmmm. Sorry if it sounds like I'm reaching...How about a prize for:
The family member with the last birthday (first?) birthday in the year (ie: If Dec 31st is the birthday they win! prize: a candle)
The family member with the most pets (Prize: a pet tag with the family name engraved on it - you can make these at PETCO)
Family member with the longest name? (prize: a dictionary?)
Family member who gets called by anything except their name? (Like uncle Bob is actually named John...no one knows why we call him Bob!???)(prize: ?)
Family member with the oldest car? (prize: air freshener)
Family member with the most "tricked out" car? (prize: Armour all)
(Oh gosh...am I reaching here???)
Let's see...
Family member with the most credit cards (make 'em prove it! hehe)(prize: a pair of scissors to cut them up!!haha)
Family member with the largest shoe size (prize: shoe horn)
Family member with the smallest shoe size (prize:decorative shoe laces)
Family member with the most freckles (prize:Sunkist brand jelly beans)
Family member that's always "fashionable late" (prize: a miniature clock to keep track of time)
Member that brought the most food (assuming it's a potluck)(a realistic looking food magnet for the fridge)
Family member that's worn glasses (contacts)the longest: (Prize: Magnifying glass)

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Patty, 12:55:27 07/26/04 Mon [1]

I found this site while we were working on our family reunion last year. You might find something you could use.

http://www.family-reunion.com

You might also check your public library for reunion planning books for ideas.
Have fun!
Patty

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- CJ in PA, 13:03:51 07/26/04 Mon [1]

I'm planning a reunion for 2005 (with my brother). All of these ideas are wonderful! I will be saving them for our reunion. Our problem is finding a place to hold the reunion. Need something centrally located in the U.S. that can accommodate approx. 80 people. Where are you holding your reunions?

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Patty, 14:02:28 07/26/04 Mon [1]

Both my Mom's family and my Dad's family EACH had 10 kids, so when we have a reunion, WE HAVE A REUNION!!! LOTS of relatives!!!

My Mom's family is not as spread out as my Dad's, so her family has it at a lake under a picnic shelter or a state park shelter every year. It's also potluck.

Since my Dad's family is spread out all across the US, it takes longer to plan, so it's only every 2 years, and it takes that long to do.

When we did his last year, my sister checked out a lot of the state parks with lodges, but she said most were in pretty bad shape, so we went to the Hampton Inn hotel, which is where we ended up having it. It was wonderful! Each of the rooms had a microwave, TV, phone, small refrigerator, etc. The hotel had an indoor pool, work-out room, and a big meeting room for our big family dinner. It did cost us a lot for the room, but we had a big raffle to pay for it. We made nearly $1000 on the raffle and dinner, which took care of all of our expenses, plus we gave the next reunion planners nearly $500 to start it out. They were amazed! I think we started out with only $50. Most of it went for postage for the 1st mailing!

We had 128 people at our reunion last year! If you have it at a hotel, just contact them WELL in advance, so they can block off enough rooms for it. I think we had 25 or more rooms blocked off, which was most of the hotel.

I would also suggest to start out with a theme. It helps a lot! Ours was the 50's and 60's theme. We played era music, had pizza (60 of them! Delivered in a pick-up bed!) and pop, played Bingo, had giveaways, and had door prizes of the ice cream sundae table centerpieces and decorations. I made Coke glass candles to give out to my Dad's siblings. My sister made up a cookbook of 50's and 60's recipes she found on the internet to give out. I made sundae magnet souvenirs with communion cups, pink cotton balls, a red seed bead (cherry on top), a small piece of a striped straw, and a magnet on the back. I typed up "Family name" Reunion 2003 on pink paper and added it to the front of the communion cup.

We got SO many compliments on the reunion, even from the hotel staff! Most relatives said next year's planners were going to have a hard act to follow. We were very pleased with the way things worked out, but it was NOT without a lot of planning and work! Just glad we won't have to do it again for about 10 years!
Patty

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Diane, 16:37:56 07/26/04 Mon [1]

Jenjoy - Thanks for all the great ideas. Anyone else out there have any others. Next year will be our 45th. I have been to most of them - alot I don't remember (I'm 51) - (only missed a couple because of vacation interferring.)
Diane

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- mo, 19:05:56 07/26/04 Mon [1]

family member with the longest hair--prize hair comb
family member with the most keys on their keyring--prize key ring
family member with the most family picture in their wallet or purse---prize photo album
family member with the most coins or the oldest coin---prize a bank
family member's car that has the most mile or the least amount of miles---prize a pedometer
family member who made their bed today
the man who washed dishes last night
family member that read a book to their child---prize a book

hope this helps

[> Re: Traditional Gifts for a Reunion -- Diane, 21:59:45 07/26/04 Mon [1]
Thanks, MO - those are some good ideas. It will really help. I wish my brain would work like that!!!!!

[crafterwannabe]

Date Posted: 07:59:32 07/28/04 Wed
Author: Fran
Subject: Help with planning a Family Cookbook

Hi guys, I am in the process of preparing a Family Cookbook for our annual Family Reunion at Labor Day. I've already contacted family members and the recipes are coming in. Now I need to start compiling the book. Anyone out there had any experience in this department that could give me a few tips, comments or suggestions, what worked, what didn't? Tell me how you arranged your catagories and what/and how you did it? Did you do it yourself or have it done elsewhere? Thanks in advance, any advice welcome.
Fran in Maryland

Replies:

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Marciaot, 18:29:03 07/29/04 Thu [1]

I did a family cookbook a few Christmases ago. My son wrote 2 poems about family to include in the book. In the front of the book, I included recipes from 5-6 older members of the family who are no longer with us. I wrote a brief paragraph about each one along with a photo. The paragraph focused on special remembrances of their cooking. I was lucky to be able to get recipes in their own handwriting so I photocopied them. The oldest photo and recipe was late 1800's.

I grouped the recipes by who submitted. For the "elders" (my aunts), I also included a photo and something about them. The rest of the book was grouped in alphabetical order by last name.

The book has over 150 pages and included both sides of my family and my husband's family, so it is a real keepsake. Although recipes had been contributed, no one knew about the photos, etc., until the books were distributed. There were lots of tears!

If you can open a PDF file (Adobe), I'd be happy to send you a couple of sample pages. I used a 3-ring binder with the paper-insertable cover.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- jazbo, 09:21:31 07/28/04 Wed [1]

What a fun & wonderful project! Sounds like it is going to be a success. We tried it once & got only 4 recipes from DH's family. So I put all our favorites in it. It was a homeschool project for the boys. We organized ours by holidays. I ran it off at a local copy shop, with each holiday on a different color. Then I had it bound with a comb binder. I still have it & use it often.

There are companies that will organize, print & bind your cookbooks for a fee. Churches & women's organizations have those cookbooks all the time.

This is probably not what you were seeking, but this is my experience with family cookbooks. I love them - they are a source of family history. Best of luck with yours.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Lilpeach, 09:55:01 07/28/04 Wed [1]

What a neat idea! Sorry I can't offer too much help in this area but I really love your ideas Fran & Jazbo. This might be something I'd like to try for my family, we have alot of cooks in the family and I can use all the help I can get when it comes to cooking..lol:) Looking forward to seeing everyones ideas on this. Good Luck with your cookbook Fran and please let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

~Lilpeach~

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Lori Jean, 10:05:06 07/28/04 Wed [1]

Fran,
That's such a wonderful idea! You might want to check your local school district. I know in our district they have a "print shop." They print and bind it into a book with the plastic kind of rings. Your local school district might have one that's available to the public. We also have some kids at the middle school level that run a "print shop." They print out stationary to sell.

Hugs,
Lori Jean :^)

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- jenjoy, 11:41:57 07/28/04 Wed [1]

our PTA did one for the school. We used www.morriscookbooks.com to put it all together. Here's how we organized: Appetizers & Beverages, Breads and Muffins, Breakfast & Brunch, Salads & Soups, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Main Dishes & Casseroles, Desserts, This & That.
One of the things we did that was really neat was to ask the children to come up with their own recipes. We would ask the younger ones how to make choc. chip cookies. We would get the funniest answers (ie: dump in a lot of flour and some chocolate and cook it on high until it's done, etc) We also had the kids write out recipes for friendship, and put them in as well. It might be neat to ask the younger kids in the family to contribute in some way. Anyway, just an idea.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook (*Warning: LONG* Sorry!) -- Patty, 13:03:15 07/28/04 Wed [1]

Hi Fran!
Been there, done that! It is a LOT of work, but it is something that I am really proud of and glad I did!
My Mom's family had a raffle at a reunion a few years ago to help cover the expenses. They made a lot of money, plenty to cover the expenses and still had a lot left and they didn't know what to do with all of it. With some of the leftover money, I volunteered to do all the work to make a family cookbook, as no one had ever done that on my Mom's side of the family. Dad's side has already made 3!!! Mom and an older cousin, who was in charge of the money, REALLY liked the idea, so it was a GO!
I sent out a letter to the family telling them that I would make ANYone a family cookbook, for FREE, using some of the raffle money, IF they would send me recipes by a certain date. I told them that I WASN'T going to make ANY extras to sell. They could ONLY get one, if they sent me recipes and that I would give the cookbooks out at the next reunion, the following summer. I gave them my snail mail address and my E-mail address.
My Mom (and Dad's family, too) comes from a family of 10 kids, so we have a LOT of relatives! Since I was doing this by myself, I was afraid that I would be bombarded with recipes and would have a difficult time getting them all typed up, so I put a limit on how many recipes they could send...5, give or take a few. Most recipes came with letters from relatives saying they were thrilled to get a family cookbook and couldn't wait to get it. There were also recipe requests, like my grandma's famous big cookies. I even got recipes from kids for "kid recipes": play dough, mud pies, reindeer food, soap bubbles, silly slime, Gak, Goop, etc. One 11 year old sent me several recipes, when she was at her grandma's, so she got a book, but her Mom wanted to buy one, but didn't send any recipes, so she didn't get one! I didn't make any extra. The little girl was so happy that she had something Mom didn't.
Since I volunteer at my kids' old elementary school and use the copiers non-stop for the teachers, copying it wouldn't be a problem. I have also made several small classroom cookbooks at school for parents' Christmas gifts. I bought a box of copy paper from Office Depot and several packages of pretty copy paper for the dividers at Wal-Mart. My Mom's maiden name was Fisher, so I got the pretty copy paper with an ocean scene on it ("Fish"-er). I bought 1" white 3-ring binders at Office Depot when they would put them on sale "buy 7, get 5 free". These have a clear outside sleeve, so I put the pretty copy paper cover inside it. I decided on the title of it "Fisher Family Favorites 2002" from someone else's that I had seen. Inside, I did a dedication page to my grandparents:
"This cookbook is dedicated to (my grandparents names). It is because of them that we are here today, June 15, 2002, having a wonderful time at the 2002 Fisher Family Reunion at ______State Park in (City and State)."
On the back of that page I put an appropriate verse I had seen:
"A recipe that is not shared with others, Will soon be forgotten, But when it is shared, It will be enjoyed by future generations. Author unknown."
Then, I did a Thank you page to the contributing cooks, listing all the ones who had sent in recipes.
Then, was the contents page:
1. Useful Information
2. Appetizers, Candy and Snacks
3. Beverages and Miscellaneous
4. Breads and Rolls
5. Cakes, Cookies, Desserts and Pies
6. Casseroles, Main Dishes and Meats
7. Salads, Side Dishes, Soups and Vegetables
8. Index
Useful Information section was for measurements, pan sizes, abbreviations, etc. I even got things sent to me about the care of cast iron pans and other uses for Bounce that I included. Then, I made a blank form for them to write their favorite recipes and page numbers on with notes lines on the back.
After copying all the pages, I punched holes in them with a 3-hole punch and added them to the binders.
With each recipe, I included the sender's name and any info or history about the recipe that they sent me, like it had been my late uncle's favorite food, how they liked to serve a particular recipe or what was good with it. Tell them to PRINT or TYPE the recipes, TRUST ME! And type them as soon as you get them, to keep on top of them. There will be a FLOOD of recipes come in just before the deadline...or after! I put several recipes per page, front and back, or I'd still be copying. Yes, it took a while, but it was time well-spent. I got a lot of compliments and thank yous. One uncle, I was told, was showing his neighbor and telling them that his niece had MADE it and how impressed he was! I didn't get to go to this year's reunion, but my Mom told me that they are STILL talking about the family cookbook. I'm so glad I did it!

If you don't have as many recipes as I had, instead of the binders, you could also use the paper pocket folders with brads in the middle. Watch for them to be on sale for back-to-school.
On my own personal copy, I didn't punch holes in it. I bought, with my own money, the clear sheet protectors and I put each page in one and added it to my binder. Splashes wipe right off and protect the recipes.

Hope this helps and hasn't put everyone to sleep!
Patty


[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Patty, 13:09:44 07/28/04 Wed [1]

I forgot to send this link. It is to a site for individuals' online cookbooks. It is where I got the idea for the title for mine. Some are pretty clever...some aren't!
Patty

http://recipecircus.com/recipes/

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- linne, 14:00:58 07/28/04 Wed [1]

Just one more suggestion:
I have purchased several 'group cookbooks'. Because I can't always find a certain recipe in the ones I have, may I suggest that you group recipes by category, AND also list all recipes alphabetically by name. Sometimes you know the name of the recipe, or just want to look for something by name. It takes a longer time to go through the categories to find what I am looking for. BUT, i also need the categories to find that special 'casserole' or 'salad' to take to pot lucks.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Kim in Texas, 14:12:09 07/28/04 Wed [1]

I did one of these last year for my family for Christmas. (I come from a family of 9 kids!) I didn't get a whole lot of response on new recipies so I took all the ones that we had as kids and used them. What I did was type each one on a different page and put it in a page protector. Then I put them in a spiral binder by category. I found this worked really good because then they could customize their notebook. My brother's could take out the recipies that they didn't like and we could add more as we found others we liked. I use mine constantly and absolutely love it. It was simple, easy, and works great.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Fran, 15:04:10 07/28/04 Wed [1]

Thanks for the wonderful suggestions and ideas for the Family Cookbook and Patty thanks for taking the extra time and effort to explain all the details of how yours was compiled. I really feel like I can get this done now. Labor Day is my deadline so hopefully will succeed. I'm printing all these ideas out and am going to keep them in my reunion book of ideas. I've been doing our Reunion now for the past 5 years. I've been attending this Reunion all my life so am now heading towards my 50th in September. A milestone for me. I think I've only missed one! Anyway, keep those ideas coming and I'll post from time to time and let you know how things are going with the project. What a great bunch of ladies we have on board here! You always come through for me. Can't imagine life without you all to come to when I need help. Hugs,
Fran from Maryland

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Patty, 15:13:30 07/28/04 Wed [1]

You are very welcome, Fran!
Patty

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Virginia/WA, 16:06:04 07/28/04 Wed [1]

This company will send you a whole box of information for free,
Cookbooks by Morris Press
1-800-445-6621
They are a publisher of personalized cookbooks.
The box comes with several sample cookbooks, some hard cover, some soft cover. Will show the different types of binding and different layouts ideas.
I didn't use the company because when I was doing the cookbook, I was only going to do 20 or so. They are more geared for schools or fund raisers.
But all the ideas that come in the box was so helpful.

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Fran, 09:19:22 07/30/04 Fri [1]

Marciaot,
Thanks for the ideas, and yes I should be able to open the files and I'd love to see some examples.
Thanks,
Fran

[> Re: Help with planning a Family Cookbook -- Nancy, 11:02:06 07/30/04 Fri [1]

I am in charge of doing the same thing for a reunion cookbook.We are putting our family tree in it and lots of old pictures of my grand parents and great grand parents. It looks pretty good, but haven't decided how we are going to finish it. Do it ourselves or have itdone by a book company.

[crafterwannabe]

Favor Ideas - Family Reunion

Date Posted: 19:39:23 05/01/05 Sun
Author: tamara
Subject: need a favor for family reunion

hello ladies, my family is having a family reunion after three years of not having one. and i would like to make something for everyone in attendance to keep as a little memento giving we may be three more years before another. thanks ladies for your help i appreciate all of your help.

Replies:
[> Re: need a favor for family reunion -- Judy from GA, 21:25:16 05/01/05 Sun [1]

For two years I made bookmarks and covered them with contact paper--put family name and year on them.

This year I am going to make either the magnetic bookmarks or fridge magnets.
Judy

[> Re: need a favor for family reunion -- jacksmum, 21:38:03 05/01/05 Sun [1]

Hi Tamara
Hope this helps
Sue

LOL make little pins for all the ladies with a varnished peanut. Give the guys a little packet of screws and marbles.

When our family gets together
some things you're bound to see
cause there's a few loose screws
floating round our family tree.
Marbles have been lost
but replacements are at hand
and although there's a few nuts
overall our family's grand.
© Sue Pitchfork 2005~

OR

Seed Packets

Our roots are entwined together
or fruit reflects the tree
so as you watch the seeds grow
I hope you'll often think of me.
© Sue Pitchfork~

OR MIXED NUTS

I searched and searched for the perfect gift
no worries, ifs or buts
and finally found the perfect gift
for a family of mixed nuts!
~ Author Unknown ~


[> Re: need a favor for family reunion -- MertVnWV, 22:58:06 05/01/05 Sun [1]

Wow! Loved Sue's idea. Wish I would've had these sooner. I have already finished up the favors/souvenirs for our reunion. I did the money seeds for the men using the gold painted lima beans.....put on them the poem that was given to me about S.S. retirement fund running out...on others I put "for the man who thinks that his wife never has enough money" and on others I put, "for the parents of the kid who thinks that money grows on trees."
I made these for the men.
For the women I made Friendship Kits.
I have also bought up lots of prizes for games. A favorite game is making a mummy using toilet paper. Another favorite of the young adults was a game where everyone ties a ballon to one leg and they all have to stay within the confines of a circle....(I made a circle in the grass using flour) The whole idea is to burst everyone elses balloon while trying to keep yours from popping. They had a blast playing this one.
I have all kinds of small door prizes and I play the happy game to give those away. Everyone loves the "Happy Game."
I will try to get the instructions for playing this game posted tomorrow just in case someone would be interested in doing it. Too sleepy right now to get into it.
Mert

[crafterwannabe]

Ideas/Printable Invitation - Family Gathering

Date Posted: 07:22:25 05/20/05 Fri
Author: Mary Southern
Subject: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together?

Last New Year's Day we had a family pot luck dinner get together. It was a big hit with the whole family because we usually are not able to all get together. Now we are planning a summer gathering but this time I want to send out flyers to be sure everyone knows about it in case they don't get a phone call invitation. Any help will be appreciated.

Replies:
[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- Doreen, 08:03:18 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Hi Mary, I don't know if I can help you but if you put up more details for the pot-luck dinner like:
the date, time and place,
and if you are choosing a theme, that might help whoever is helping you design the flyer.
I'm sure some of graphic wiz ladies will help you - good luck on the organizing of this special family event.
(((Hugs)))
Doreen

[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- Lori, 09:04:26 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Hi Mary, I have printmaster and in there ready made projects the have pre-made flyers, newsletters etc. I coach cheerleading and made a newsletter for them. I also started a family newsletter and that was big help to have a pre-set format. I don't know if you have this or something you can use. On the internet hewlett packard has a free craft site that has things like that too.

[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- PattyWV, 09:16:43 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Mary, would it be cheaper to do postcards?
I do our family reunion and just finished up my reminder post cards to mail this weekend. You can add some graphics to the card as well. Good luck with your flyer.

[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- Doreen, 09:33:38 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Hello again Mary, I was playing around in PSP and made this for you, maybe you can use it. Doreen

Printable Invitation
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/ ... invite.gif

Wording on invitation:
This note’s to invite you
To our family do
So please mark the date
On your calendar
We’re looking forward
To seeing you

[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- Mary Southern, 17:58:02 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Doreen, Lori and Patty, thank so much for helpful suggestions and Doreen, I would love to use your design. It's perfect.

http://www.cuddlecards.com/novfriend1.html

[> Re: could someone help me design a flyer for family get together? -- Doreen, 18:04:54 05/20/05 Fri [1]

Hi Mary,
Was just about to shut down for the night - glad you liked the design and thanks so much for the online card you put here for all of us -
that's sooooooo cute - I'm going to dream doughnuts tonight!
(((Hugs)))
Doreen