Awesome idea! One side of the family has tried to do a mini reunion once a year with all the cousins, aunts and uncles since my grandmother passed away. But it's still difficult to get everyone together even just that one time a year. I looking forward to another mini reunion being planned. Meanwhile, I think I might implement this plan with our kids & grandkids more than one night a month. They are still really young families and would appreciate the free dinner. ;) lol....  Awesome idea and I'm gonna run with it.Thanks

posted on 7/21/2010 12:49:56 PM

Nice idea; we live 8 hours from most of our family and we try and visit at least once a year.  Wish I could see my brother more often.

posted on 7/21/2010 8:18:59 AM

I have had a real change in my life since Nov. 27, 09 My Husband passed from this life, leaving me a widow who lives alone now. My schedule has been very busy and trying to put the pieces back together making adjustments, along with other problems.  I hope that very soon I will be able to adjust to a more normal lifestyle again. Thanks for being patient with me.  I have enjoyed the new drinks you sent me, I loved them. I enjoy very much being a member of Vocal Point Survey Group.  Marie Fleming

posted on 7/20/2010 12:27:10 AM

Last year my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer withing 3 weeks she had a complete mascetomy (spelling?) she was devistated.  But luckyily she has finished Chemo which lasted through the end of February and then 6-8 week radiation everyday.  Two weeks ago she had her reconstruction.  Still not done with all the stuff that goes with this terrible illness that so many are affected by.  But in reality, it brought especially of our family closer.  Everytime she would be going in for a surgery from the beginning till the end, we would have a family dinner/celebration that it was caught in time to extend her life.  Now, the girls and daughter in laws, take 1 day a week and meet at one of our houses eat lunch and do whatever we want, mostly scrapbooking, sometimes just laughing about things that others would look at us and think we are crazy.  Well we are crazy, we take every minute to enjoy the life we all stilll have and to not sweat the small stuff.  Her illness has been the best thing that could had ever happened to our family.  But I wouldn't want her or anyone else have to go through what she did.  For me seeing her was unbearable the pain, you see it, hear it, and feel it.  So I challenge all of you if you have distanced yourself from your family- try your best to get reconnected not because of any illness, but just because they are your family.  The can't be replaced.  A car can, etc.  Thanks for allowing me to share this with you.  Pot luck is always good you get to try different peoples taste of food.

posted on 7/10/2010 11:18:04 AM

This is great and something that my mother-in-law always tries to do! We get together at least once a month for Sunday lunch or dinner!

posted on 7/9/2010 2:12:39 PM

this is the best tip ive seen on this site yet!

posted on 6/22/2010 10:25:05 PM

Sounds like a great idea. I am trying to get my fathers side of the family together for a reunion. Family has drifted apart since my father, his sister and their mother passed away. Afew of the cousins are all for it. My children don't know over half of their family members and I would like to change that. Just would like to know where to start.

posted on 6/17/2010 6:11:20 PM

start your daughter off on pads, there easery

posted on 6/10/2010 10:52:05 PM

I HAVE A 11YR OLD GIRL  WHO ABOUT TO STRIT HER FRIST PRIETE, SHOULD I LATE HER USE TAMPONS OR JUST PAIDS

posted on 6/10/2010 4:39:03 PM

This is a excellent idea,Just trying to get everyone together once a month would be a little a hard.

posted on 6/2/2010 4:47:21 PM

My family and I try to get together ever year, usually at Thanksgiving, with a rotation of locations since we are spread out across the country.  We started this many years ago after the death of my father and have continued the tradition religiously.  It works well, and always an event to look forward to.

posted on 5/22/2010 7:04:45 PM

It is a great idea, but with everyone's schedule hard to do and make plans.  I go over to my son's house usually on Mondays and spend the time with my granddaughters, 4 and 2, and we have dinner.  My daughter lives out of town but try to get to see her at least once a month, if I can't we at least talk once a week.  Family is very important, my two brothers play darts one nite a week, and I try to go over there on that nite also. You have to make an effort to see family and spend some time with them, yes we are all busy, but family is to important not to make the effort.  I feel very sad for families who are torn apart by something, life is to short, get over it, you will miss them when they are gone.

posted on 5/12/2010 4:27:15 PM

This iea sounds like a great one.  All I have to do is get the kids to answer their cell phones so we can set a date and time.  Thanks for the suggestionPat in Florida

posted on 5/11/2010 3:47:16 PM

My idea is a little more "close" to home.  When my husband and I were both commuting 3 hrs. a day, with one child in high school and one in elementary school, that were both in athletics and other activities -- we were in chaos.  UNTIL, we set a "required" family meeting right before dinner on Sunday.  It was always at the same time, always lasted an hour, and each family member rotated as the chair of running the meeting (even our grade schooler had his rotation).  We also kept notes.  Everyone talked about the past week, the upcoming week, what was going on, concerns, questions.  We created a calendar at that time of the upcoming week.  If one of the kids didn't include an activity at the time the calendar was created, that activity wasn't going to happen.  I know it may sound drastic, but the kids got input, practice in running meetings, PLANNING -- and we all didn't have to react.  Made our lives and communications a BUNCH better!

posted on 5/11/2010 2:05:18 PM

I love spending time with my family.  My children are grown, but once a week we get together for dinner, game night or dinner out.  This is my favorite time of the week.  Growing up my family was very close, so this is the only style I know.

posted on 5/11/2010 12:52:56 PM

This is an EXCELLENT idea! Our family is growing and growning with babies of our own, neices, nephews...we all live within an hour and a half of each other. We can totally make this work! Love it!

posted on 5/8/2010 2:51:06 PM

great idea thanks

posted on 5/1/2010 5:25:51 PM

This is a great idea!

posted on 4/24/2010 3:24:49 PM

This is a great ideal exvept for is your children are scattered across the country in different states as mine are,but I love the ideal and will try to do this with the ones in my home state,and just keep in touch with the others and send them pictures of the fun we have and maybe encourage then to visit more often.Thanks for the great ideal.

posted on 4/18/2010 3:21:19 PM

What a great idea. Sometimes it's best to schedule things so they actually happen.

posted on 4/15/2010 7:12:59 PM

This is difficult for my family because I have a huge pile of kids and my brother & his wife choose to be childless.  Also it is much more work for me to entertain then my extended family that lives nearby. When I was growing up we got together regularly, but as we have moved across the states and everyone has started their own family, it is not a possiblty to get together once a month. Also weekends are my kdsi time spent with their dad who travels with his work. I think twice a year is much more reasonable an idea

posted on 4/10/2010 11:24:44 AM

I stay in touch with one of my daughters through Skype that way I can see her and the grandkids as we talk. The kids still at home I try to make sure we all connect a couple of times a week just to dicuss how everything is and to have fun

posted on 4/7/2010 8:30:27 AM

thats really nice

posted on 4/6/2010 8:26:32 PM

I have an extremely large family and we are scattered across several states. We still have a lot of family in my current state of residence. Every month we get together for a FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Everyone takes turns hosting at their home. The host gets to choose the games and we all bring a pot luck dish or dessert. We also have a 50/50 drawing where 50% goes toward our yearly mini reunion. Once a year we throw a Mini family reunion in the park. We always encourage the out of state relatives to attend if possible. Most of the time it is just us locals but last year we had people come from North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C. and New York. It was great. We do this because we all know how easy it is for family to drift apart even if you live close to each other. 

posted on 4/6/2010 3:48:59 PM

Our family alrady does this my aunt does Chirstmas I have Easter and Thanksgiving and one of my sister's does Mother's day brunch we also so have a Valentines luncheon just for ladies and there are twelve of us we take turns hosting every year this year was our 26th luncheon. Diane Milwaukee, WI

posted on 3/31/2010 12:26:32 PM

My family is scattered around a 4 state area, so this wouldn't work for us. We do try to get together for a mini-vacation every summer, though.

posted on 3/2/2010 4:51:35 PM

I love the idea of my family getting together.  I may try and do this starting next month.  I get together with my friends more than my family.  Thanks for ideas.Kimi

posted on 2/24/2010 11:54:36 AM

My sisters and I usually get together once a month at my house.  We cook dinner together and then we all eat as a family.  It's really nice to have all the nieces and nephews all running around the house. 

posted on 2/23/2010 10:49:14 PM

I'm disabled so it's just too much work.. I can hardly do it on the first day of the year..

posted on 12/26/2009 9:14:56 PM

This is a great idea.  To prevent financial worries for anyone, try having the get together at a park or forest preserve.  Everyone can bring their own picnic lunch...or do a potluck.  Keep it simple and concentrate on just having fun!!!  Have everyone bring some frisbees, volleyball or other fun activity that easy to setup/use.

posted on 12/23/2009 7:49:06 PM

Great idea, I think this could work for our family!

posted on 12/19/2009 8:12:16 PM

fantastic idea!  a monthly dinner with 12 different cuisines a year!

posted on 12/15/2009 2:22:08 PM

This is a wonderful idea, and much neede in my family.  I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers and we only get together during the holidays.  :(

posted on 12/10/2009 8:58:59 AM

We tried this idea, but didnt bring a calendar along, and it sort of died down, will try this!!Good idea!

posted on 12/8/2009 3:24:22 PM

We do this about every-other week. The key is to keep it simple and relaxed.

posted on 12/8/2009 1:54:33 PM

That is a great idea! My struggle will be getting the whole family to commit, but what a rewarding outcome! :)

posted on 12/2/2009 11:49:00 AM

Love this idea. Now to find the one to organize all of this! :)

posted on 12/2/2009 11:45:11 AM

That bis a good idea.

posted on 11/27/2009 9:06:04 PM

Great idea thank you

posted on 11/24/2009 2:57:46 PM

thank you for all your help

posted on 11/20/2009 6:45:45 PM

I am so happy that you have the kind of relationship with your sibblings that you can do this.  I have two older brothers and the oldest is basically a hermit at his home and the other brother is not a very nice man.  I don't even want his around my child. I feel like a only child and I am afraid that once my parents pass away it will be just my immediate family--my husband and daughter.  Really, I am glad for you!

posted on 11/17/2009 10:17:52 AM

This is a great idea. But there is 8 girls and 1 boy in our family.And only 2 of us agree to have gatherings at our house. The others never invite anyone to their house for anything they leave it up to just me and 1 of my sisters to have something at our house for every holiday. We have tried to encourage the others to start doing their part. But it causes such a fuss its not worth it. They always have some excuse as to why they can't do something at their house. And that in itself has caused a strain in all our relationships. I remember when we were young we got together for everything. I do miss it.

posted on 11/8/2009 12:55:31 PM

Natalie from WI could not have said it better, that is the same thing I put into my adult children and teaching my G-Babies as well.  Family is important no matter what.  Grudges, mishaps, mistakes or whatever need to be forgiven the same day or no later than a few days depending on the situation.  Sure people have friends and associates but when it come down to it.  Blood is thicker than water so it is said.  If you have a bad moment make the next few moments better.  It's up to people as individuals to behave like adults and children of all ages has feelings just like adults.  So be careful what you say to them when you are upset.  Always put god first then family.
Mrs. RB of TX

posted on 11/7/2009 9:44:51 PM

I sure wish this was possible,but I have to say,this won't happen anytime soon. But, its a fantastic idea. My children and I do get together often,just not my sisters and brother. To be honest,I wish we could all be together like this. We use to be a close family,but not now. My sister doesn't invite me to my own mom's birthday. For years my mom thought that I just didn't come,but I finally told her"mom,I am not invited! I didn't want my mom to think that I did not want to be there,because for her,I wanted to be there. Even though my sister would not want me to be there. I don't know why,but I think its because of llies that have been told about me and she believes them. No matter what,I always think of her often. I love my family and I always will love my sisters and brother. This makes me sad so I will not write any more about it. If you pray,pray that God helps me endure this,or that he makes a way that my family wants to be a family again.

posted on 11/7/2009 3:29:09 PM

I agree that my family (or some sections of it) does not get along enough.  We have grown apart since my parents passed away and one sister (of three daughters) did everything to drain my parents emotionally and financially the last few years they were alive.  It has been five years now, but she burned almost every bridge there is to burn and she still thinks we (my older sister and I) were unfair to her during the settlement of their affairs.  Recently her daughter had a baby and now she isn't even attempting to make ammends by being a good grandmother to her daughter and son.  She actually has the nerve to ask her daughter to pay her to babysit.  My sister doesn't work or anything!  Since we have such a small family still living, and with the arrival of our new grand nephew and my niece, it would be nice to try to bury the hatchet, but I don't think we can until my sister grows up and/or accepts that she was not the victim.. .she comlains about the lack of money we got from what little estate was left after they passed away, yet she is the one who lived in the house while we tried to sell it - with drinking, smoking, and dachsunds using the garage as a litter box.  That certainly didn't do anything to help sell the house.  I guess I got off the family get together/reunion topic -- I just fear that if we are together for more than 30 minutes or so, things will get too stressful and get out of control.  She never invites us for dinner or tries to meet for dinner without expecting everyone else to buy her whatever she wants - expensive entrees, desserts, and alcoholic beverages!  She is 54!  I think it is too late unless a lot of things change. Any ideas or suggestions to deal with that situation?  I guess the rotation idea would work with other members of the family though. Thanks for listening.. I didn't plan on venting.  

posted on 11/4/2009 4:06:56 AM

Thank you so much! I love this idea!! I plan to do this!!

posted on 10/31/2009 10:46:24 PM

My family and I get together once a week. Every wensday for desert. We alternate who brings the desert and we catch up with whats going on in all of lives. Its a great way to stay in touch.

posted on 10/26/2009 2:00:54 PM

A less expensive way to train a puppy without having to buy expensive training treats is to use cheerios. We have a 7 month old black lab We used cheerios everytime we took her out to get her housebroken. She loved them plus is was healthier for her than some of those fattening treats. We also used them for a reward when she would listen and follow thru on commands it really worked like a charm without breaking the bank.

posted on 10/23/2009 5:03:55 PM

What we do is get together for a birthday dinner. which ever one of us is celebrating a birthday we all look at our calandar's to see when we can all get together. then we set a date, email everyone for reminders. the birthday person gets to pick the restaurent, and everyone puts in and pays for there dinner. this jan. we are going to start a birthday fund, everyone will put up $20.00 a month. then we will just pay for our dinner out of there. that's because all of our meals have come up to about that amout from each of us. we have a great time, and we get to see each other more often.

posted on 10/20/2009 7:43:15 PM

This is a great idea!  I have a sis that I see about twice a year so I am forwarding this to my fam right now...

posted on 10/16/2009 4:38:49 PM

If my family lived close this would definitely be fun!  Unfortunately all cousins and siblings are out of state. :(

posted on 10/14/2009 11:23:28 AM

We are so busy these days we foreget to have lil mini reunions I miss them so much, I am grateful for the reminder maybe I will plan a Family get together. Something my Family used to besides bring a dish to pass was feed the kitty everyone donatates a dollar or $ ? to the kitty with there name on it at the end of the evening one is pulled from the kitty ^=^  I used to love that my grandmother doctored this so that the neddy one in family always seemed to Win ! :) didn,t know til I was older helped me big time for school books !  Happy Holidays everyone*

posted on 10/14/2009 4:59:44 AM

this is a good idea - it is hard to get everyone together at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving - this gives everyone a chance to see each other at some point during the year

posted on 10/12/2009 6:12:09 PM

The idea is probably great for those who have big families or live near reletives. It is always good to pencil in a future date before ending any get together - that's why Drs do it.

posted on 10/12/2009 7:09:42 AM

Great tip!  It's always a challenge to get family together ... this makes it seem very manageable!  Time is too short not to take advantage of every moment that we can get with family and friends!:)

posted on 10/10/2009 2:06:31 PM

What a  great idea  I'll have to run that by the  family  thanks

posted on 10/9/2009 1:02:13 PM

I'm going to try this with a little twist. I think it would be a great idea to have each family member living at home - my kids are 12 and 16 plus the girlfirend 16 and my husband - to pick a night during the month where they plan the meal, fix the dinner and maybe have some kind of "family activity" aferwards. I think will be a great way to get them use to purchasing what is needed for a full meal, learning the time it takes to prepare and clean up - plus, prayerfully, bring some light on after you have done those things you really want everyone to sit around and talk or spend some time together after the meal. Thanks for the idea!CIndy

posted on 10/8/2009 9:14:38 AM

such a great idea ... it's too bad that my family lives a little too far away from each other to make this work well.  but one a quarter would be an improvement over what we do now!  i'll have to sit down and find some fun places that would be equal distances for everyone to drive to.  thanks for the inspiration!

posted on 10/7/2009 9:49:25 PM

My family try to see each other and have dinner at least once a month. We also talk to each other at least once a month too. We love each other even though we know we have differences. My children are all adults and live on their own with their extended families and we all enjoy the time we have together.  

posted on 10/7/2009 8:23:15 PM

This is what my family did when we live closer together....1200 miles apart makes it hard to accomplish without having lots of moneyto travel with a large family.

posted on 10/7/2009 4:00:41 PM

THIS IS A WONDERFUL IDEA. TIME PASSES BY SO FAST AND WE NEVER GET TO SEE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS OFTEN AS WE WISH TO, EXCEPT WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS. IT IS A SHAME, BUT YOUR IDEA IS WONDERFUL. EVEN WITH OUR HEALTH ISSUES WE CAN STILL MANAGE TO DO THIS SINCE WE WOULD BE TAKING TURNS. THANKS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL IDEA.     ALICE J., SC.

posted on 10/7/2009 1:57:33 PM

This  is a great ideal even though we all live in the same neighborhood we don't get together enough.  I will run this by my family ans see how it works out.  Thanks again for this great ideal.

posted on 10/7/2009 1:33:51 PM

This is a great idea. We live in a small town and still can't seem to get all of us together just for a visit. A lot of us also have healthe issues that make having a party difficult, but if we all did one small thing, it would work out great. I think I'll be the first to try it....Thanks for the great tip!!!!

posted on 10/7/2009 12:23:56 PM