Whitney Garner wins December's survey!

Whitney Garner was randomly selected as our $25 Gift Certificate Winner to Monograms for All Occasions!

Whitney and many others submitted her answer to: What's the best gift you've ever given or received? Here are some of the fun responses:


"I wrote my husband a poem years ago when we were dating. Little did I know he still carries it with him in his wallet. He made a copy and framed it and put pictures of our kids on the top and bottom of the poem. He wrote me a loving note about how special the poem still is to him, how much he loves me, said look how blessed our lives are in reference to our special kiddies. It is the most special thing he has ever given me!"


"Hands down, the BEST gift was a healthy baby Emma and even healthier (and BIGGER) baby Joseph... who are now 6 and 4.5, respectively!"

"Thanks Kate for an awesome website for Mommies!! The greatest gift I have ever received would have to be my husband! He is my best friend and has provided me with the best two babies any Mom could ever want. He is my anchor and I don't think I could live without him! I have several friends AND family members that have gone through horrible relationships, divorce, and even domestic violence so everyday I count my blessings and he is first on my list!"

"I'm sure I should put the birth of my children or world peace, but I'm going to be completely honest...for my 30th birthday (I was pregnant with my 2nd child), my husband surprised me with a trip to New York to see a Broadway Play, eat a wonderful dinner and go and see Katie Couric's last day on the Today Show (I was a big fan). Then he threw in a trip to the diamond district and surprised me with trading in my old diamond for a bright and shiny new one! I felt like a princess that weekend!"

"I got marred at 20 and my husband Wayne and I had a little son during that first year. Roger was born several months early and having complications he died. I soon got pregnant again, but too soon and I miscarried. March 1975 I got pregnant again and you can only imagine I was so very nervous. God was there with us and our son, Scott was born December 18th 1975. Thirty-three years ago today. Scott is my most precious gift and I brought him home on my twenty-second birthday. "

"I am a collector of holiday snow globes and one year my middle child-Jack made a snow globe in his pre-k class. It was the most amazing gift and was so cleaver....the inside of the globe had a tiny picture of him cut out like an ornament & was hanging on a white painted twig. I cried Xmas morning! I love it!"

"I have been blessed with so many gift in life, but the greatest by far is my daughter. No material gift has ever matched the joy she has given me."

"The best gift I've ever received would have to be ... A violin ... my (then) boyfriend, now husband, totally surprised me by fulfilling a childhood dream of mine of learning to play the violin. He chose a beautiful hand-crafted violin that far exceeded my expectations! He even arranged for lessons and everything! His unexpected gift left me speechless and knowing without a doubt that he was the one!"

"We have had a tragic loss, our daughter Annabelle died on May 4th, 2005. I then had trouble getting pregnant for about a year and went through all kinds of fertility. After five months of failed IUI's, we took a break from it all. We conceived on our own and found out about the pregnancy on sweet Annabelle's birthday (10-13)! Brady (now 18 mos.) was my gift from her, I am sure of it! Often I thank her for sending him to me, I can tell she hand picked him just for us!Love, Meredyth Bryant"

"The best gift I ever received was a bigger home! We moved from a little 1500 sq.ft. house in an iffy neighborhood in south FL to a beautiful 2600 sq. ft. home on over an acre in the woods in western Chesterfield county. The change in myself and my family is priceless! It was all possible because my husband knew how much I wanted to leave FL. so he went to his boss and asked for a transfer because he wanted to make me happy. I love that man!"

"For Mother's day one year my youngest daughter Rachel saved all her candy she got for her "being good all week" gift on Fridays. (she was in 3rd grade, she is now 12) the thing is, she has heard me say for year and year how much i love red skittles, so my bag I received that year was her saving of about 5 weeks worth of candy, ALL RED, red skittles, red m&m's, red gum, all red candy in a lil bag with a red bow. It was the best gift I ever got."

"The greatest gift I ever received was the Christmas of 2005. I had just left my very abusive ex husband and me and my kids had to leave almost everything behind. So, I know Christmas would be very tight because all the months leading till XMAS I missed alot of work running back and forth to court trying to keep us safe from him and getting full custody of my kid. Well by the time Christmas rolled around i was having a hard enough time putting groceries in the house let alone even think about . . .(end of message not received)"

"The greatest GIFTS I ever received are my 2 precious daughters from China. You see, in order for me to become a Mom, 2 other Moms had to make the ultimate sacrifice: give their baby daughters to the great unknown; allowing them a chance at a better life. Those gifts enabled me to receive the greatest gift of all: the gift of motherhood. I think of them & thank them every day for this incredible gift of life and for allowing me to experience what they can never know: these 2 beautiful daughters!"

"My 8 year daughter gave me a blanket she made herself. That was the best gift ever.
The best gift I have received was twofold today. 1st, my brother e-mailed me to tell me his cancer has NOT returned and 2nd, my son, injured at work tells me his bad days are getting much less in number and his good days are getting to be more. Life is good.
The greatest gift I even got was a cedar chest that my husband bought (and surprised me with) to hold all of my memories. Inside the chest was a Mork and Mindy game that he managed to find on e-bay. We played that silly game on the very first night we met. It was a gift of memories past and memories yet to be had."

Stacy Hawkins Adams NEW BOOK!

You're Invited!

Please join Stacy Hawkins Adams at the

Book Release Party

for

The Someday List

the first book in her new fiction series

(Book Price: $12.99)


Friday, Jan. 9
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Barnes & Noble - Libbie Place
5501 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia
(804) 282-0781

Bring your book club members, women's ministry participants or best girlfriends and get your autographed copy of the new novel.
Stacy and her special guests will share from their "someday lists" and offer tips on how to create your own.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Stacy's books will be donated to ART 180, a Richmond nonprofit that provides underprivileged children with opportunities to express themselves through various forms of art.
Start your New Year off right and be there

Eat too much yesterday? Yeah, us, too. That's why we're doin the Monument 10K as a team!

We're gonna set this goal. I'm not a runner, never have been, but I'd love for you try this with myself and some RichmondMom.com friends!

You don't need to be a mom. We'll donate $10 to the Massey Cancer Center for anyone who joins!

Please register at: https://www.raceit.com/register/?event=284 We registered in "Wave VC" 76-90 minutes (although we hope to be faster!)We'll be training with a combined

RichmondMom.com-Stroller Strides team, and will send information on training for any of you wishing to join us!

New Lyrics: "If I were a boy"

Thought this was just great: http://www.mommytrackd.com/beyonce-boy

"I love your site. I was reading the Richmondmom.com blog spot for funny/silly moments and thought I would share this one:

My daughter saw the Peter Pan movie on DVD and was fascinated with the scene where all the fairies are saved from fading away. Later that day, I walked past her room while she was in "quiet time" and heard her saying over and over "I do, I do, I do believe in fairies"!!

And just in case you might think she is an angel: Leslie was 2 and standing in line with her daddy at the store. He held up one of the strawberry candles he was buying and asked her what it smelled like. She said at the top of her lungs "it smells like poop"!!! Everybody in line started laughing. I still burn this candle and it does not smell like poop! However the cat box does, which is why I burn the candles;)"---Christina, Henrico

Got a funny one from your big kid or little one? Share 'em: kate@richmondmom.com

Amy Strite: December's Richmondmom.com Rock Star

Why do we like Amy Strite so much? Simply put, she helps kids all over Richmond reach their potential with an amazing organization called CHIP of Greater Richmond: Children's Health Involving Parents.

Amy works extensively with those in the private and public sector in collaborative effort to assess current and changing need, evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery, and plan for appropriate responses to community need. With her passionate team, Amy ensures that CHIP serves hundreds of families in the Richmond area, maximizing their potential through increased medical care for children and family support services. A full list of outcomes is available on the CHIP site.

A part from her professional positions, Amy has served the community in a variety of ways including sitting on the boards of The NAMES Project Central Virginia, Virginia Supportive Housing, and The National Association of Social Workers-Virginia Chapter. WOW. That's giving.

Know a Rockstar? Tell us about her! She may be our next feature.

Christmas present for mom! A girls' weekend getaway!

My husband and I spent a night at the Jefferson in honor of our 10th wedding anniversary (six months after the fact, but that's another story)--it rocked! While there, we saw two ladies on a "Girls' Weekend Out" and asked them about it: They replied with one word "Heavenly!"

The Jefferson has these ideas and some other cool ones at:
http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/packages.aspx

Check out the Jefferson's Holiday Newsletter:
http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/Holiday/index.aspx, in the shopping section of the newsletter you'll find the e-boutique, The Salon at The Jefferson, Blooms at The Jefferson and Gator's Gifts - all really great places for you to pamper yourselves with a holiday treat or find a really special gift.

The 12 Days of Unemployment at Christmas

For all of my fellow laid-off, hard working Americans, and your families, a much-needed chuckle for the holidays! All the best!

On the first day of Unemployment at Christmas, my (former) manager gave to me:

A severance letter personalized for me.

Two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Eight references requested, seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Nine (confusing) unemployment letters sendin’, eight references requested, seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Ten bills a-heaping, nine (confusing) unemployment letters sendin’, eight references requested, seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Eleven sketchy work-at-home offers (also under consideration), ten bills a-heaping, nine (confusing) unemployment letters sendin’, eight references requested, seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Twelve resume versions, eleven sketchy work-at-home offers (also under consideration), ten bills a-heaping, nine (confusing) unemployment letters sendin’, eight references requested, seven jobs on Monster, six sympathetic glances, five turn-your-gold-into-cash emails (under consideration), four calling recruiters, three letters about Cobra, two minutes of sheer panic, and a severance letter personalized for me.

Cool Tabitha Geary stuff for the holidays!

SPECIAL PRICES FOR RICHMONDMOM.COM READERS BELOW!

All orders must be in by 12/15 to receive in time for Christmas and all customers must mention this ad on Richmondmom.com in order to receive the special pricing: http://www.tabithageary.com/

Can you believe this: Free gift wrapping on Thursday nights from 6-8 at the showroom. Not just Tabitha Geary gifts--all your stuff!

*Bag Tags and Christmas Ornaments-- 1 for $20 or 3 for $50
*16 x 16 Canvas (1 image)-- $85
*24 pg (12pgs front/back; max 50 images) softbook -- $50
*Dry Erase board (1 image and text)-- $35
*52 week/52 picture Dayplanner-- $60/ $50 for additional copies

MONOGRAMS FOR ALL OCCASIONS: The ultimate gift for moms, teachers, friends & kids!

Save 10% on GIFTS at Monograms For All Occasions, Inc.
Only through 12/8/08!*

*Richmondmom.com in REMARKS section.

$5.95 shipping-on EVERYTHING.

Richmondmom.com readers looove to shop so we’ve got a maven for you to meet: Jennifer Mosley loves all things perky, preppy, and personalized. So much so that she launched a business so that others can share in the fun.

Monograms For All Occasions, Inc. is THE place to shop this holiday. A look at the company’s website will only show you a portion of the hundreds of great gift ideas just in time for the holidays.

To see all that this creative Richmond mom and her company have to offer, stop by the store located at 5324 Twin Hickory Road, Suite 102 in Hickory Corner, off Nuckols Road in Glen Allen. Store hours vary, but Jennifer can usually meet for appointments within 1-2 hours of your call. Call Jennifer at (804) 314-4269 for all of your monogramming, embroidering and personalization needs and gift ideas.

A few of Richmondmom.com’s fave picks from Jennifer’s stash:

for the woman who has just-about-everything: embroidered bath wraps (just $34.00) with matching slippers (only $19.95), makeup bags and timeless, elegant monogrammed silverware
· monogrammed car magnets, mouse pads, and mailbox covers
· lunch bags & backpacks personalized with your kids' names
· bright & fun personalized mouse pads and personalized stationery
· totes as low as $14.95 which includes personalization and your choice of ribbon
· stamps & embossers with your girlfriend's name or the whole family's name
· personalized wine glasses for those holiday get togethers and the very popular Tervis Tumblers monogrammed with your initials!
· pillowcases for the kid who loves to see their name in print
· the most popular monogrammed estate flags (on sale now for just $34.00) and garden flags (also on sale for only $12.90) with your family’s last name initial, with the trendiest flag stands on display at the store
· for the golfer in your life: personalized embroidered golf towels available in pink, green, blue and black for only $17.95!
· for the posh baby: monogrammed booties (just $19.95!) and diaper covers (just $13.95!)
· design your own personalized stickers for gift labels (30 for $18.95), personalized double-sided placemats for adults and children (only $18.00)
· new to the store: personalized and embroidered memo boards (pick from our fabrics or bring your own!)
· monogrammed hair bands & hair bows, all this and more at the store!

Monograms For All Occasions, Inc. located in Twin Hickory, near the Short Pump Town Center boasts a bountiful buffet of monogrammed, personalized and embroidered gifts for women and children plus a host of other kitschy décor that says “I took the time to find you a truly personal gift!”
This fabulous biz offers just about anything you can think of, with initials to boot! Plus, if you want to personalize something you already own, Jennifer will also embroider most customers’ previously purchased items (Christmas stockings, backpacks, aprons etc.) for usually no more than $10.00, but she has so much to offer that there’s little need to shop elsewhere. But, don’t just take our word for it. The reviews from nationwide customers prove that this Richmond mom is the person Santa is counting on to fill his sleigh.
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*Place Richmondmom.com in the “remarks” section of your online order for 10% off. 10% off in-store, too! Just mention Richmondmom.com.

What to do with the fam this month in Richmond, VA

• With more than 500,000 lights, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's GardenFest of Lights offers a magical experience through Jan. 12.


• Kick off the holiday season in Henrico Dec. 2 at Richmond International Raceway's 5th Annual Community Tree Lighting.


• Shop till you drop at the Bizarre Bazaar's 33rd Christmas Collection with more than 500 exhibitors at the Richmond Raceway Complex Dec. 4-7.


• Join Santa Claus downtown at the James Center to kick off the holidays with live music, a carousel and holiday lights Dec. 5 at the Grand Illumination.