Ask any mom what the best present they ever received from their child was and they’ll probably show you a little handmade card of trinket that the child made for them sometime around the third grade. no matter what she might have been given over the years and how expensive the gifts were, the simple little gift that her child made with his own hands is still the most special.

Just because you’re older now doesn’t mean that it’s too late to give mom a gift that she will remember like when you were a child. In fact, you’re in a better position to really give her something special. the fact that she probably isn’t expecting something so personalized will make the gift that much better. An added benefit is that you can save money that might be tight.

There are several options for handmade mother’s Day gifts. they can range from simple things such as a personalized gift basket with items that are particularly enjoyed by your mom to elaborate crafts that took you weeks or months to finish. Here are a few practical ideas to get you thinking.

A gift that is always sure to please a mom is a family photograph. How many times have you heard your mom complain that she doesn’t have a recent photo of you or her grandchildren? this is simple, personalized and fairly cheap. If you want to take it a step further, why not add a handmade frame to the picture? Frames are not hard to make and can be designed using a variety of materials. Check online for some ideas. Put a little imagination into it and try to personalize the frame with a motif that will fit your mom’s lifestyle or decor.

A homemade card is another great option. Just like when you were a kid, this is sure to be a hit. Now that you’re older, you can take it a step further and add something even more special. How about adding a personalized photo to the card? another possibility is a card that contains a personalized voice message. the more personal the message the better the card will be.

If you are married and have children, don’t forget that it’s your wife’s day too. take the time to help your children design a special gift for their mom at the same time you make one for yours. What a great family bonding opportunity

Affordable Handmade Gifts on Mother’s Day

Affordable Handmade Gifts on Mother’s Day is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

By Jessica Garringer, Contributing Writer Updated 8:10 PM Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Looking for a unique and personalized gift for your mother? Why not give her flowers in a handmade flower pot?

This flower pot is easy to create and will definitely make your mom smile Sunday — Mother’s Day — when she sees all of the childhood photos.

Plus, for just $9.56, you are making something that won’t hurt your budget.

You will need

To buy:

Flower pot and base — $4.28 at Flower Factory

Flowers — $3.99 at Knollwood Garden Center

White Acrylic Paint — $1.29 at Michael’s Arts and Crafts

Items I already had:

Scissors or an X-acto Knife

Black and white photos

Directions

1. Remove all tags and labels from your flower pot.

2. Paint two or three coats of white paint onto your flower pot, letting each coat dry before applying the next.

3. Print out childhood photos you want to use. if you are printing them from your computer, then make sure your printer is a laser jet. if it is an inkjet printer, then the images will smear. if you do not have a laser-jet printer, then you can have your photos printed at Kinkos or just take them to a photo kiosk at your local grocery or pharmacy and have them printed there. this will cost about 10 cents per image, depending on the size.

4. Once your photos are all trimmed and ready, use the Mod Podge and glue the images to the sides of the flower pot. Leave the top rim empty.

5. Once your photos are secure, add Mod Podge to the tops of each photo. make sure to get all edges of each photo so they won’t peel off later on.

6. Let the Mod Podge dry completely and then place a second coat over the entire pot, both inside and out.

7. Since the bottom dish will come in contact with moisture, put at least two or three coats of Mod Podge on the dish.

8. Once everything is completely dry, tie a ribbon around the top rim of your pot.

9. Add your mother’s favorite flowers to the inside and you are left with a personalized gift that will make any mom smile.

Jessica Garringer is a bargain hunter and a couponer who loves to save money. you can reach her at?SaverSavvySavings@gmail.com. ?Get more money-saving tips, ideas?and projects at SaverSavvy.?com or find more DIY projects at Pinterest.com/SaverSavvy.

How to create flower pot for Mother’s Day

How to create flower pot for Mother’s Day is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Flowers, chocolates, an intimate dinner for two, a weekend getaway in Paris — these are only a few of the things you can give to the man or woman in your life to express your love and affection.

The problem is that so many people make the mistake of thinking that the price of a gift is the best determinant of whether it will be held in high regard by the recipient. while the price tag does undoubtedly contribute to some extent to a gift’s impact, it is not the most important factor when it comes to how well it will be received.

You can buy a perfume gift set that costs more than $500 for instance, but if your recipient is allergic to fragrance, then that gift won’t have the romantic impact you were aiming for, would it?

On the other hand, if you bought your wife or girlfriend a bouquet of roses that set you back by only $25 or so, but roses are her favorite flowers, then it is more than likely that she will view and appreciate the gift as a romantic gesture from you.

Another thing to keep in mind when looking for a gift for your beloved is that the most memorable presents are not necessarily material in nature. Surprising him with a trip to somewhere new where the fishing is great (if he is an avid fisherman, for example) or presenting her with tickets to a Broadway play she has been anticipating is also a very romantic gesture. Being there to share in an experience that your man or woman will find pleasure in can be a priceless present.

Some men and women are reluctant to give gifts because of budgetary constraints. they feel they cannot afford to give extravagant gifts to their partner. But, as stated above, gifts need not be expensive to be special.

According to relationship experts, the giving of gifts is an important form of communication in a relationship. Giving the right gift is a way of making your partner feel appreciated and loved. it is a way of saying You are in my thoughts and I love you. it strengthens the bond between giver and recipient, cementing the relationship even more. looking at it this way, you cannot afford to NOT give a gift if you want the bond between the two of you to stay steadfast and true.

How to Show Your Love Through the Giving of Gifts

How to Show Your Love Through the Giving of Gifts is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Those who do not love, do not know G-d; because G-d is love. 1 John 4:8

 Also we have come to know and trust the love that G-d has for us. G-d is love; and those who remain in this love remain united with G-d, and G-d remains united with them. 1 John 4:16

The ultimate model of love is evident in the plurality of G-d. all love is a reflection or shadow of the love that exists in the plurality of G-d. That is: love of the Father G-d for His Son Yeshua, Love of the Holy Spirit for Yeshua, etc., There is a dynamic social relationship in the G-dhead. Scripture often attests to the love of G-d. “ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am; so that they may see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24. furthermore we have been called to share in the holy community of love: “I made your name known to them, and I will continue to make it known; so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I myself may be united with them.” John 17:26. “just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love.” John 15:9-10.

How much more must you see to know how important love is?

“Beloved friends, let us love one another; because love is from G-d; and everyone who loves has G-d as his Father and knows G-d. those who do not love, do not know G-d; because G-d is love.” 1 John 4:7-8. So if we do not have love for one another in the family of G-d, it is an egregious sin.

The Apostle Shaul picked up on this truth. “Eagerly seek the better gifts. but now I will show you the best way of all. I may speak in the tongues of men, even angels; but if I lack love, I have become merely blaring brass or a cymbal clanging. I may have the gift of prophecy, I may fathom all mysteries, know all things, have all faith – enough to move mountains; but if I lack love, I am nothing. I may give away everything that I own, I may even hand over my body to be burned; but if I lack love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 12:31- 13:3. You may be seeking the greater gifts that would allow you to minister in a more powerful way. may I suggest that your primary focus must be to love G-d and everyone else. I want our Congregation to focus on this. That is the purpose of these recent blogs.

But for now, three things last trust(faith), hope, love; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Loving G-d

Loving G-d is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

My top five gifts for grandparents includes some that you make yourself and a few that you simply purchase. What do your grandparents love to do? What are their hobbies and favorite activities?

1. Create a gift for your grandparents. Grandparents love gifts made with your loving hands Do you sew? Make grandma an apron and monogram it. Are you artistic? Create an original painting for your grandparents. They will treasure it forever. if you are a writer, make a little Happiness Book — write about your favorite times with your grandparents. Scrapbooker? Make a super scrapbook of your grandparents’ lives from childhood to now. Not only will your grandparents enjoy the memories, but the book will be a treasure for generations in the future.

2. Electronic frames — oh what fun whether your grandparents are active or in a nursing home or hospital, all grandparents love a pre-loaded electronic frame. Fill it full of photos of the family and special memories.

3. Send your grandparents on a trip — a cruise with the family, or just for the two of them. has your grandmother always wanted to visit Italy? take them back to the site of their honeymoon or their childhood. Make their traveling dreams come true.

4. One of the best things you can give your grandparents is the gift of your time. Give your grandparents an entire day spent with you. Plan out the entire day – hour by hour. Play golf with your grandfather, take grandmother to the mall and lunch. Whatever you do, be sure the day is totally focused on your grandparents. And take lots of pictures. you all will treasure this day together.

5. if your grandparents are on a limited budget, give them some relief. Pay their cable television bill for a year ahead, or the newspaper subscription. Grocery store cards are also an excellent gift for seniors who have to watch their pennies.

Bonus Suggestion: Senior citizens never seem to have enough stamps. Stamps and note cards are always appreciated.

Christmas Gifts For Grandparents – Five Gifts That Grandparents Will Love and Use

Christmas Gifts For Grandparents – Five Gifts That Grandparents Will Love and Use is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Mother’s Day will mean breakfast served in bed, gifts and dinners with loved ones for many Winston-Salem families, but for those with sons and daughters in the military overseas, the holiday will mean being grateful for another day of safety for their children.

Teresa Conley of Clemmons spoke to her son, Staff Sgt. Chris Conley, on may 5 by Skype, an Internet service that allows users to communicate by voice, video and instant messaging.

“We don’t talk a lot about how he’s doing,” Teresa Conley said. “He tells us he’s OK. We just want to know he’s safe.”

Conley performs office duties for the 1452nd Transportation Company based in Winston-Salem. His unit is stationed at Bagram Air Base, which handles U.S. military aircraft in Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to the air base may 1 and signed a strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai that marks the beginning of the end of the war there.

As of Tuesday, at least 1,834 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion in late 2001, according to an associated Press count. more than 15,800 U.S. service members have been wounded in hostile action, according to the Defense Department.

Conley’s unit is scheduled to leave Afghanistan in June and return to an American base in Kuwait, Teresa Conley said.

Chris Conley, 39, a graduate of West Forsyth High School, is married to Treka Conley, and the couple has four children.

“He’s a wonderful man, and he loves his children,” his mother said of her son. “He loves his country, he loves his God and he loves his family.”

Using Skype, Patricia Russell of Winston-Salem spoke to her son, Sgt. 1st Class Michael T. Russell, last week. He is also serving in Afghanistan.

“He wants to know what’s going on here at home,” Patricia Russell said. “My kids always worry about me.”

Patricia Russell said she briefly discussed the recent death of his sister with her son, who is one of her four children. Michael Russell and his wife, Lori, have one son and a granddaughter.

Michael Russell, 50, is a member of the 883rd Combat Engineer Sapper Co., which is part of the N.C. Army National Guard. The company is stationed at the forward Operating Base Lagman in eastern Afghanistan. His unit’s mission is to patrol the roads in the Zabul province.

“He loves his country and was willing to go,” Patricia Russell said of her son.

Russell, a graduate of Parkland High School, sends a lot of pictures to his mother to share his experiences there. He shared a story about an Afghan boy whose two sheep got stuck in the mud along a road that Russell’s unit was patrolling.

After the boy told Russell that his father would beat him for allowing the sheep to get stuck, Russell and two other soldiers used a rope to pull the sheep from the mud.

“Right now, he’s loving the Americans,” Patricia Russell said of the boy.

Mother's Day a little tougher for moms with children in the military

Mother's Day a little tougher for moms with children in the military is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chipper Jones received a few modest gifts from teammates before taking the field on his 40th birthday and celebrated it the best way possible – with a home run. Martin Prado wouldn’t let it be wasted.

Prado had two RBIs including a run-scoring triple in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 on Tuesday night.

” Martin Prado gave me my birthday present. that was the best one of the day,” Jones said. “It’s been a fun ride, and it’s great to have my last birthday in the big leagues turn out the right way. I consider myself pretty lucky to be 40 years old and still playing – in a lot more limited role, but playing nonetheless. I doubt if anybody really expects to be playing on their 40th birthday. I mean, as a kid, you’d like to think you’re going to play forever.

“Unfortunately, as many miles and as many innings and as many games as I’ve got on these legs, it’s coming down to the end. So it’s bittersweet,” Jones added. “I’m glad this is it, because my body’s starting to let me know on a nightly basis that I’m 40. I’d love to see how it felt to be 31 again.”

Jones has homered on his birthday on four different occasions since coming up to the big leagues in 1993, including his 24th, 29th (twice) and 36th. He has played on his birthday 13 times, going 21 for 49, and the Braves are 11-2 in those games.

Jones found about 30 messages on his cell phone when he awoke Tuesday morning, then grabbed a couple more hours sleep and saw another 30 messages waiting for him.

“I’ve got a lot a ton of friends out there, both inside and outside the game that thought enough to say happy birthday,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back home. I got a real cool message from my four boys this morning, and I miss them. Hopefully we won’t get rained out tomorrow, because my wife has a rather elaborate birthday party planned for Thursday. And if we have to play Thursday, I’m not going to make it. So I’m crossing my fingers.”

Jones, playing in his 19th and final big league season, was 1 for 3 with a walk in what could have been his last game at Dodger Stadium if the predictions of rain for Wednesday’s series prove accurate. After the third inning, the left field video board flashed the message: “Happy birthday Chipper. the Dodgers salute your remarkable career,” while organist Nancy Bea Hefley played “Think of Me” from the musical “Phantom of the Opera.”

The seven-time All-Star, whose 457 career homers are the third-most among switch-hitters behind Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray , hit a towering drive into the Atlanta bullpen in right field on Aaron Harang ‘s first pitch of the fifth to put the Braves on the board. Jones is the fifth player to homer on his 40th birthday, along with Bob Thurman (1957), Joe Morgan (1983), Wade Boggs (1998) and Tony Phillips (1999).

“He threw me a couple of off-speed pitches my first at-bat, and I thought he might challenge me in at some point that second at-bat,” said Jones, who has 13 homers at Dodger Stadium. “I got one up and got out in front of it. You’ve really got to put a charge into one to hit it out of here at night.

“All three of my homers that I’ve hit this year have been really cool,” Jones added. “I hit my first one in my first start in Houston with my parents in the stands, and the second one came in my home opener. And now this one. You always want to do something special on your birthday, and it doesn’t get more special than that.”

Doing it at Dodger Stadium made the experience that much more significant for him.

“This place has always been special to me because I grew up a huge Dodger fan, so this was my Yankee Stadium,” Jones said. “My father was from Vero Beach, where they used to train, so I can remember waking up in the mornings before elementary school, and the first thing I would do is turn on the news to see how the Dodgers did. I feel a little different about the Dodgers now than I did back then, obviously, but this is still a special place for me to play and it’s still one of the most beautiful ballparks – to this day.”

Tyler Pastornicky greeted Dodgers closer Javy Guerra (1-2) with a leadoff single in the ninth and advanced on a sacrifice by pinch-hitter Jack Wilson . Michael Bourn struck out, but Prado drove a 1-2 pitch to center field and over the head of two-time Gold Glove winner Matt Kemp , who caught up to it in the warning track but couldn’t hold onto the ball.

“He’s got pop and he drove the ball. I should have caught it,” Kemp said. “I was very close. if it hits the glove, it’s got to be caught. there are no excuses. You just have to turn the page and get `em tomorrow.”

Eric O’Flaherty (1-0) pitched 1 1-3 hitless innings for the victory and Craig Kimbrel worked a scoreless ninth for his sixth save in as many attempts.

The Braves tied it 2-all five batters after Jones’ homer on a bases-loaded groundout by Prado, who has 11 RBIs.

Juan Rivera gave Los Angeles a 2-0 lead in the first with a two-out homer against lefty Mike Minor that hooked around the left field pole. It made him the 20th player to homer into the Loge deck at Chavez Ravine and the eighth to do it with the Dodgers. the first was Frank Howard in Game 4 of the 1963 World Series against the Yankees’ Whitey Ford .

Notes: Rivera left the game with a strained left hamstring after getting an infield single off Minor’s leg in the sixth. … Los Angeles placed RHP Matt Guerrier on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 19, because of tendinitis in his elbow and recalled LHP Michael Antonini from Triple-A Albuquerque. … the Braves recalled RHP Cory Gearrin from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the roster spot left vacant when RHP Jair Jurrjens was demoted to Gwinnett following his loss on Monday night.

© 2011 STATS LLC

Jones homers on 40th birthday, Braves win

Jones homers on 40th birthday, Braves win is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Dads are special, they tickle us and make us laugh, they protect and care for us, lecture and educate us. there is no way we can ever really thank Dad for everything he’s done, all the times he drove us around, fixed our bikes, and watched us play sport. However Fathers Day is a great time to say I love you Dad and show him that you do remember and appreciate it.

10 Things Dads love on Fathers Day

Sleep – let Dad sleep in undisturbed until he is ready to get up and enjoy the day.

Food – all Dads love to eat make Dad’s favourite lunch then sit down and have lunch together as a family.

Action – get active with Dad you could fly a kite, kick the football or go for a bike ride together.

Love – tell Dad at least once I love you on Fathers Day.

Hugs & Kisses – Dad can never get too many hugs or kisses on Fathers Day.

Special Gift – Buy or make Dad a really special gift, get something you know he will love, maybe the newest gadget or a great homemade present.

Time Out – give Dad the Day off – let him relax, watch tv and put his feet up without feeling guilty.

Peace – Don’t fight or argue on Fathers Day, make it a nice peaceful and relaxing day.

Reminisce – Share your favourite memories with Dad, remember all the times you had fun together or the times he made you laugh.

Chocolate – Dads love Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts – what’s your Dad’s favourite chocolate? he may even share some with you

My Favourite Quotes about Dads

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.
Anonymous

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
Henry Ward Beecher

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.
Charles Wadsworth

My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
Clarence B. Kelland

10 Things Dads Love on Fathers Day

10 Things Dads Love on Fathers Day is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care

Gift giving can be a challenge for any occasion, but if you know about your loved ones interests then looking for gifts can be a whole lot easier. If the gift you’re looking for is for a motorcyclist, there are many options you can choose from. It can be just a matter of looking around at some specialty stores, or hearing about the newest cool item on a motorcycle message board. If you want to make sure you get the perfect gift for your favorite biker, here are 5 great gift items that your any motorcycle enthusiast is sure to appreciate.

One great item you can give that biker of yours is a brand new helmet. Helmets come in a wide variety of styles and colors that will suit any personality. to get an idea of the style your biker likes, simply look at the helmets he or she has already. a helmet is a safety item that he or she will need anyway, and if you ever decide to tag along for a ride, you at least know you’ll have a helmet to use. This is a very practical gift that your loved one will enjoy and be able to use on a regular basis.

Another great gift you can give is a motorcycle jacket. Driving on a motorcycle can get chilly, so it’s nice to have a jacket to keep your favorite motorcycle rider warm. Also motorcycle jackets can be great looking and stylish and not worn only for practical reasons. Find a jacket that your special someone loves and he or she will wear it all the time, just to look cool

Another gift you cannot go wrong with are motorcycle gloves these can keep the hands of your biker guy or chick protected and warm.

If you want to go all out with the motorcycle gear, add to the ensemble The fourth gift you can give your biker is a really cool motorcycle t-shirt. You can find many cool shirts online and in specialty stores.

The fifth and last gift that your biker will surely appreciate is a subscription to a motorcycle magazine. Subscriptions to Cycle World and American Rider are reasonable in price and offer a lot of useful information. This is one way your special someone can keep up to date on all motorcycle tips and trends. Any of the above gifts are items that your special biker will be able to enjoy and will surely appreciate as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or any other holiday gift. just be sure to choose the best gift that pleases your special biker friend or loved one.

Gifts For Motorcyclists – 5 Gifts Your Biker Will Love

Gifts For Motorcyclists – 5 Gifts Your Biker Will Love is a post from: LovingCareGifts.com: Gifts With Love & Care