Wednesday, January 13, 2010

10 Ways to Stay Connected in '10

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sprint



Everyone does a list at the end of the year, right? Resolutions. Things to Accomplish. Things Finished.

Here at the Hotfessional household, the five of us are scattered to the winds. One away at grad school, one at EMU as a Freshman, one a senior at WVU, Mr. Hot holding the fort with the pets at our house in Michigan, and me - working and living part-time in Chicago.

The older ones are fine. Mr. Hot and I are on the phone three or four times every day. The problem? The 18-year-old freshman, living alone for the first time. I know he doesn't think he needs his mom. As long as he has a supply of sports drink and a Subway Sandwiches gift card with an automatic refill, he's happy. I, however, don't believe that because he's off on his own that he's done hearing my nagging advice. So, this year, I'm going to make sure that we stay more in touch.

How? Well, that's where MY list comes in.

STAYING CONNECTED IN '10...MY 10 WAYS


  1. Phone calls. I know he doesn't like talking to me while he's in his room with his roommate, but he has time between classes when he's out on campus walking around. Surely he'll think he looks cool (or at least like everyone else) if he keeps his phone plastered to his ear?

  2. Texts! I am hopelessly slow, but it's worth it to know how his Sociology test went.

  3. Video? Maybe. I'm not sure I really want to see the state of his dorm room via webcam, but to see his smile, I can overlook the dirty underwear on the floor.

  4. Instant Messaging worked for me and Mr. Hot when my phone wouldn't work while I traveled through India last month. Wonder if I can get the 18 year old to tell me his screen name.

  5. Good old fashioned written notes - tucked into a care package! Hey, I'll resort to paying postage for a dozen candy bars if it means I can nag encourage him to study!

  6. Smoke signals? I'm not sure they'll make it across Lake Michigan. Which way do the prevailing winds blow?

  7. Conference Calls! We can talk as a family with three-way calling! I can listen to Mr. Hot and our son argue just like they do when we're together! It'll be like being right there with them.

  8. Email works when I have specific questions. Questions like, "Do you need money?" ALWAYS get a response. It may only be a single-word answer, but if he types "yes", then I at least know he's alive.

  9. With a campus job, there's not an unlimited opportunity to come home on the weekends, but that doesn't mean that we can't get together for a meal at a nearby restaurant. Hugs make everything better!

  10. Phone calls. Oh, I know I already had this one on the list, but really, if you can't be there, the next best thing really is hearing a loved one's voice. Schedule the call. Make sure it happens. I'm thinking Tuesday night as he's finishing work and walking back to his dorm.


How to pay for the care package postage? For the gas money to get those hugs? Well, do I have a deal for you! You can:

WIN A $200 VISA GIFT CARD
Just tell me your best tips for keeping your family connected in the New Year.



Leave your tips as a comment or leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments section. The contest will begin January 13, 2010 and will end February 9, 2010. (Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.)

In fact, you have 9 chances to win $200 at the BlogHer.com special offers page. Go see other great tips!

Check out the Family Connections Group at BlogHer.

======Don't forget to read the rules!======


Rules:
* No duplicate comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
* This giveaway is open to US-residents, aged 18 and older
* Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
* You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
* Please see the official rules here: Official rules


Now, how are you planning to stay connected in 2010?

140 comments:

Solomon said...

I seem to recall hearing a story told once, that went as follows.

Two sons went away to university, and never contacted their parents. A relative bet that he could get the two young men to respond, just by writing a letter. Their family had tried this, so they challenged the relative to do it. So he wrote both young men a letter.

A few days later, both young men had responded to the letter they received. However, the postscripts to both letters were quite similar. One read "the $10 bill you said was enclosed unfortunately wasn't received".

Violet said...

Random greeting cards. I used to be known for mailing funny, surprise cards to friends and family. Most of the people I love live too far away to hug and I can't afford to visit very often. This year I will, in the words of James Taylor, "shower the people [I] love with love" by sending cards.

It's making me smile already.

Shelly said...

I love Violet's idea of cute cards! I'm trying to be better about remembering birthdays! I wrote them all on my brand new 2010 calendar so that they don't sneak up on me this year. I also call friends and family on my commute home from work, so that I can talk to them in peace without screaming children in the background. Helps me have a nice, quiet conversation and find a use for that hour long drive at the same time!

Shelly Sguindon@earthlink.net said...

Skype. I have relatives scattered all over the country and this is an awesome way to stay in touch. My laptop has a built in camera but all you really need is a cheap webcam. And the skype service is free!

Chris said...

Skype! You must try it.

Jenny said...

skype and email and facebook.

We try to skype the grandparents a few times a month so they can see the girly girls.

-Jenny
adventuresindouble@gmail.com

DogsDontPurr said...

I taught my 73 year old dad how to use email, and now he's become a master at it. He spends a lot of time formatting the fonts of the little notes he sends me. Sometimes they will all be in little type. Sometimes there will be extra large words in bold mixed in with italic words and teeny tiny words. It's very cute.

So that is one way that we stay connected.

(When I signed in to enter my comment here, it doesn't let me enter my email, so my email is roxie at pacifier dot com.)

That One said...

Phone calls. Email. Facebook. Twitter.

TRAVEL. We're planning a 'tour' in April that will allow us to visit three couples we don't see very often. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm going to make more of an effort to get my family together for dinner at home more often!
jillk77 at aol dot com

Kelsey said...

We eat dinner together as a family at the kitchen table every night, and my husband and I do a date night often.
micahandkelsey1@cox.net

Mami2jcn said...

Family movie night is a fun way for us to stay connected.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

I blogged about this:

http://grandgiveaways.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/sprint/

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

Tweet:

http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/7748841602

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Matt said...

I'm a techie, so my tips revolve around using technology to stay connected with family. We don't live real close to our family and we often feel out of the loop on important news in the family. I've found the following tools to be a great help in staying connected: Myfamily.com (forum based), Facebook (quick status updates), Skype (voice and video), and Email (quick way to send messages).
mattschmunk at hotmail dot com

Deb Rox said...

As, a written note. Swoon. I do put cards in the mail to my 20 yo, who lives across town. I want him to have my handwriting never leave his brain!

Melinda said...

I plan to start a game/movie night once a month, and family dinners are a DEFINITE!!!
mjf926 at gmail dot com

missris said...

Skype is a great way to keep in touch with far-flung family members. I use it with my sister who is in college in North Carolina and we talk more now than we did living under the same roof!
thisris at gmail dot com

HalfAsstic.com said...

Ree, I STILL draw a smiley face and write a love note on the papertowel napkin I put in with any lunch I happen to pack for anyone leaving the house. I have done this all through school and the girls both expect it. John is still a little surprised if he takes leftovers for lunch, to find it. It's fun, and if I leave a bit of a raunchy note for him, he calls me immediately. ;-)
I sincerely think the notes in care packages is one of the best ways to go. Also? When he comes home with a mountain of laundry stick a little note in his pants pockets, shirt pocket, folded in his socks, etc. It could be as simple as "I love you." or a coupon for a cookie, or, "XOXO".
That way he gets something from home, from you, everytime he gets dressed.

Jason, as himself said...

My daughter lives with us, but I often communicate with her via text. It's just so much easier than walking all the way down the hall, up the stairs, down another hall, to the left, straight ahead....texting is much easier.

Staying connected is a good thing. But is this taking it a bit too far?

I will say that when my daughter was seriously ill and she needed my help during the night, texting came in very handy!

Cheryl said...

This year we (my extended family) and I have settled on a scheduled communication. Life is so busy and time gets away from me, so it could be 6 months or more per calls to my dad and sisters. They are always on my case to call more, so I decided this year to schedule in phone calls once a week and Facebook posts and emails at least twice a week or more.

Cheryl said...

Tweet

http://twitter.com/HeartnSoulmom/status/7774928429

The Active Foodie said...

My mom and I always talk Monday mornings on my way to work while I am sitting in traffic. We recap the weekend and catch up on everything.

bargaingirl said...

I have discovered Skype is a great way to stay connected with family who are far away.

witchypoo said...

So far, I have resisted the urge for a cell phone, but have two landlines and a ridiculously cheap long distance plan. I call when I'm not sick of the sound of my own voice.

Ashley said...

To keep the family connected, pick atleast one night a week to do something fun as a family – go to a movie (or rent one), have a family game night, etc. And make sure to spend time together talking everyday.

oldnavyash@aol.com

Ashley said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/smash906/status/7800681667

oldnavyash@aol.com

Unknown said...

since my family lives a long way from me I like to use Skype to call them from my computer- that way i can use my webcamera and we can talk forever without worrying of any fees
ann.altima at gmail dot com

Squire McGuire said...

I plan on doing family game/movie nights with my wife and kids. Luckily they are still young enough for us to wield the power to keep them in the house with us! :) As for the rest of my family, cell phones, facebook for those far away, and for my Mom visits to her house and hosting her at ours. This is very important to me becuause my Dad passed away in October and while we had a lot of fun times together, I feel like I could have visited and talked to hime more, and now I don't have the chance so I am going to make sure I don't have the same regret with my Mom or anyone else I care about in my life.

Lim said...

Game nights are good, but see if you have (or can develop) shared interests. Go fishing, or make a dress. Watch the game, or a cheesy musical. If your family has been in the same area for a long time take a ride (gas prices permitting) and share stories. Have them help you put together a photo album. Go thru their yearbook and your yearbook from the same year in school together (just going thru theirs may seem a bit nosy.)

Unknown said...

My tip for staying connected to your family member is to spend time together and talk. So many people are so busy with all kinds of activities that they forget to just talk to each other.
jedoggett@embarqmail.com

Mindy said...

1) Eat meals together
2) Game night/movie night
3) Read before bed
4) Vacation
5) Go to Church & pray together

mdmerenghi@gmail.com

Artistic Cook said...

we sold our TV, which really encourages family-togetherness

Artistic Cook said...

blogged!
http://artisticbaker.blogspot.com/2010/01/win-200-visa-card.html

Artistic Cook said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/artisticbaker/statuses/7909734561

LV said...

Here are my plans:
1) family plan on the cellphone
2) regular dinners as a family
3) outtings

miss_moneymaker said...

A family that eats together, stays happy together.
I think it is a good idea to try and always eat at least 1 meal a day together to connect and talk about each others day.

sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I stay connected with my sister who lives in another state through Facebook. We can just jot down our thoughts to share with each other immediately and there's no pressure to answer right away. We chat back and forth all day long, but in little bits. Of course, when we really want to chat, we pick up the phone!

Kim
turtles8861(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

we have a family website that we use all the time to keep everyone in the loop with pictures and news. But our favorite way to stay close is to go on trips. Although it takes a lot of work with our 2 yr old quadruplets, it's worth it so they can get to know their grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandma better everytime!

jennyhasquads (AT) yahoodotcom

carmen said...

I want to try to set aside a day every couple of weeks to just catch up on my phone calls with friends and relatives. Otherwise MONTHS will go by without any contact!

carmensechristjunk at gmail dot com

Magpie said...

Postcards. I like sending them, because the postage is cheap, you don't have to write much, and I can recycle odd bits and the fronts of other cards to use as postcards.

Mindy said...

Our favorite ways to stay connected:
family dinners
long walks
silly card games
playing out in the snow or sunshine
sending each other silly videos on our phones
cooking or baking together (a personal favorite!)
joyful[dot]too[at]gmail[dot]com

Amber said...

I have a daughter heading to college in the fall so I read your list with great interest!

I too am learning to text to keep in touch with her!

Kristabella said...

I need to Facebook more. So many of my friends are on there and they don't read my blog and it is a perfect way to keep in touch with them.

Deb said...

I'm doing a mandatory date night a minimum of twice a month (trying for once a week) for just me and the hubby to stay connected...I've also taught my mother to text and am encouraging extended family members and friends to get on facebook to stay in touch.
debgilles77 at att dot net

Debbie said...

I text quite a bit with my college kids and also am on Facebook with them. I still believe in the family dinner time with the two that are still at home.

Unknown said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/status/8011885173
jedoggett@embarqmail.com

Tegan said...

Very best tip for keeping my family connected in the new year...SKYPE!! Set up a time each week to video chat with all the family is fun and the best thing to do, next to being physically in the same place, which can be hard. I love video chating with my family. Also, keeping instant messenger open all day, so family can leave messages as well as chat through out the day when we are lucky enough to be around at the same time.

Tegan said...

tweeted!
http://twitter.com/EpicTegan/status/8015405183

Cookin' Canuck said...

On the weekends, we like to go for family bike rides or hikes. We haven't done as much of that this winter, but I vow that we will get back into it. Not only do we get to spend time together, but it's also a great way to stay in shape and burn off some energy for the kids.

cookincanuck@hotmail.com

samantha said...

We make sure to do a fun outing with our son on the weekend instead of being lazy and hang around the house. Then we aren't distracted by housework or laptops or cell phones. We're all together and present for one another.

samanthajocampen at gmail

Joan said...

This post reminded me that I too love to send care packages to my college age daughter. Since she is a vegetarian, it is always fun to look for new food that is quick and easy to heat up that she can use during finals week.
jberntson@back2basics4kids.com

wigget said...

we like to play games together

plmeek said...

All of my family live across the country. In keep in touch with them with weekly phone calls and Facebook. Facebook is great for getting daily updates.

DG said...

weekly dinners as a family - crazy as it sounds I don't know a lot of people who do this frequently and a lot of good connections and conversations spring from family meals :)

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

DG said...

http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/8103417981

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

DG said...

http://the-prestigiator.xanga.com/720583769/sprint-and-blogher-giveaway/

blogged

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

Melody said...

Family dinners and a date night for mom and dad!

Deb Anderson said...

My family knows the importance of keeping in touch. We make a point to reach out at least once a week, if not more often. Sometimes there is no news, or nothing much to say, but just hearing that person's voice lets you know they are safe and sound. With the kids, texting is the way to go. I've found that my children reach out to me more in texts than they ever do by actually talking.

Deb Anderson said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/8116053627

Chacoy said...

My sister and her husband and kids are always moving, which often times makes it harder for us to just jump in the car and go, so we went and bought her a web-cam!
Every weekend we get on skype and talk, first it's the kids turn, and then it's me and sissy's turn;} It's as if we were in the same room sometimes, the kids move the camera around as they are running around the room playing, and it makes us all keep in touch;}

Cecilia said...

I love skype for keeping in touch with far-away family. Facebook is great too. I use email to check in with siblings, in-laws, etc. But for immediate family, our family dinner is very important.

Night Owl Mama said...

Family dinner and Game night on Sunday we love it. Helps everyone stay connected and catch up on the weeks busy details

Night Owl Mama said...

http://twitter.com/Nightowlmama/status/8222756553

Nelsby said...

For the first time since college, I once again live in my hometown -- where I was born and raised. Theoretically, this makes it much easier to stay connected with family. However - as we all know - life can get in the way. In 2010, I have resolved to do a better job at staying connected with all of my family. I will make more time to visit with my loved ones...no excuses! Additionally, we plan on hosting a big family dinner at least once a month.

Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Nelsby said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/8240415379
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

There is one thing that I have started recently that has brought me closer to my kids and it's so simple..reading to them even though they're older. I used to read to my kids all the time when they were little but homework, me working nights and crazy schedules sort of phased it out. But recently. I've started reading a chapter a night of the Percy Jackson series to my two youngest (8 and 11) every night. My oldest who's 12 has already read them and loved them but even he listens in sometimes (perhaps to extend his bedtime!) And I am so surprised at how much they enjoy it and how much I missed those quiet times with them, laying all snug the bed looking up at me with far away eyes as they imagine the words I'm reading. I know alot of parents read to their little ones but everyone should try my simple example...it truly does make us closer
kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Unknown said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/happyenchilada2/status/8250795037

kessandcrystal(at)aol.com

Megan said...

My sister and I tend to have trouble catching up, so we've been making an effort to facebook chat once a week to catch up and keep informed on each others lives and families.

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

make time for eachother- plan family nights- movies, games, making pizza

Betty N said...

I have 5 grandchildren that live in the same town and 4 that do not. It is easy to keep up
with the ones in town. For the ones out of town, I created Grandma Treat Letters. One a
month I send a letter with clip art of things that they are interested in (soccer, guitar,
gymnastics, Thomas the train, etc) or holiday themes), usually a question for them
(What is your favorite class this year, how do you like your new soccer team, What are
you doing at preschool, etc), and three one dollar bills ““Grandma Treat Money””. Each
child has their own colored envelope so they look for ““their”” letter at the beginning of
each month. I talked with the oldest granddaughter who is in her second year of high
school because I thought she might think this was too young for her and it was OK if
she didn’’t want these but she said she liked getting them and wanted me to continue. It
isn’’t a lot but it lets them know each month that I am thinking of them.

Betty N said...

tweet here with a link back to you
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/8433063875

Julie said...

I Facebook and telephone (once a week or two) my extended family members who live in varied states. I also have two daughters out of the nest with 4 grandchildren, as well as two still at home, so we stay in touch by visits and almost daily phone calls.

Karina said...

My husband and I have family night every Monday. Games, talking, eating, fun

Greg and Karina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

facebook and blogging are great ways to keep up with what's going on n=in your family's lives.

momznite said...

We will travel to see extended family. The journey is a great way for members of our household to spend time together.

Unknown said...

We try to sit down together as a family and have dinner every night. It's a great time to talk and laugh and catch up on what's going on with everyone.

Blue Girl said...

We make certain that we eat a meal together. This is at the dining table, with place settings, courses, and no tv.

Artistic Cook said...

I like to use Skype to call them from my computer- that way i can use my webcamera and we can talk forever without worrying of any fees

Anonymous said...

On the weekends we go out to the local restaurant chain/diner for breakfast and catch up :) it's nice

mjharvey26 at yahoo dot com

Joy

Just Me said...

we plan family vacations together
justacakebaker@gmail.com

Melinda said...

we text each other at least once a day to stay connected.

JC said...

Definitely write and call for overseas family members. Email, Skype, Flickr...etc. I basically use every technology you can think of.
For family nearby, we'd visit and get together during holidays.

JC said...

tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/8694319881

JC said...

blogged.http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-hot-reviews.html

CMC said...

Choose a hobby that you can all enjoy! I show and breed dogs, and that really keeps us together. The boys are involved with caring for the dogs, socializing pups and Junior Handling. It began as my hobby, but it spread through the family like wildfire. It has really brought us all closer!

spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

CMC said...

Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/spitfyr323/status/8721580566

spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

Carolyn G said...

Since we have family and friends all over the worls it is impossible to see them all. SO we started using technology to do so. We use Skype, facebook, twitter, blogs and emails to stay connected.

Carolyn G said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/8729607262

Carolyn G said...

blogged http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2010/02/sprint-and-blogher-ends-29.html

Jennifer C. said...

We eat dinner as a family every night and stay connected with distant family with phone calls and Skype!

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Jennifer C. said...

I tweeted. http://twitter.com/JCausby/status/8729733465

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

A great way is for families to cook dinner together. Don't just let one person cook it, get the entire family involved, it makes the meal that much better :) Social networking is also great for family that lives far away.

Thanks!
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/8729855058

shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

pam said...

My whole family is on the same calling plan and we have a huge conference call on Sundays. fun fun

pskidw1@hotmail.com

Dolphin Girl said...

When I was in college my mom sent the best care packages! Now that my kids are little we make sure to eat dinner together, spend weekends together and then email out pictures at least weekly to family who is far away.

Jennifer-Eighty MPH Mom said...

One tip I have to keep family connected is to take about 1/2 hour each and every night to touch bases and see how everyone is doing...if they need to talk, etc. Of course more time is good too, but to insist on this really does help.

mandjregan at gmail dot com

Jennifer-Eighty MPH Mom said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/EightyMPHMom/status/8776669966

Lydia A. said...

We use Skype video chat when we are away from each other and have as many meals together as possible!

Lydia A. said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/princessla66/status/8788773083

Unknown said...

Last year my brothers, sisters and I decided that we live too close to each other to just get together on holidays. We want our children to be close to each other and we've come to realize the importance of family time together. Phone, Facebook and texting just isn't enough.
We've started a "family night" once a month, taking turns at each other's houses. Last month, we all went to my brother's for New Year's Day. Everyone brought a side dish to share and we all sat around in our sweat pants and watched football and celebrated the start of a new year together.
This month, we're planning a Valentine's day party for just our family. We're going to watch some sappy movies and we're even planning on passing out valentine's cards like you had in elementary school...each of us has to write two things about the other person that we like or admire. It's a great way to share how we feel about each other and everybody loves to read what someone else thinks about them. Even my oldest son loves "family night" and insists on knowing in advance what night we're having it so he can request off from his part-time job.

shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Blogged:
http://auntiethesis.blogspot.com/2010/02/keeping-that-family-connection-sprint.html

shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/8801695696

shel704 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Having some older children, have them help make dinner one night each week or so.

Anonymous said...

This year we are making a concerted effort to watch TV a lot less and actually talk to each other!
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/FotoMacro/status/8809514241
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

One thing we are doing differently this year is to have more meals at home and have them at the dining table instead of at the computer and TV and that way we are not so distracted and can actually catch up with each other every night.
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/8809642324
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Julie said...

I blogged about the giveaway here:

http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-1-2010-monday-giveaway-roundup.html

Anne said...

Family dinner is a big way for us to stay connected, and we eat together almost every night and talk about our days.

ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

Anne said...

I blogged
http://lunaj1456.blogspot.com/2010/02/keep-your-family-connect-and-win.html

ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

Aimee said...

Family dinners & movies that appeal to both a teenager & a preschooler. Plus, finding things to laugh about together.

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Aimee said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/8818727140

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Kris said...

My family has discovered video chat via oovoo (which allows for multiple video screens at once) or skype. Since we are spread across the country from Hawaii to NYC and in between it helps us keep up with the rapidly growing little ones.

kristilynngibson (at) gmail (dot) com

Sue said...

Eating breakfast and dinner together everyday are really helpful. Just having time to talk and listen...
Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Candace said...

My best tip to stay connected is to spend quality time with each child individually. Find out what interests them and spend time doing that activity. To stay connected to your spouse it is definately important to have a nice weekend getaway w/o kids or at least a date night w/o the kids.

candaceotto32 at yahoo dot com

Candace said...

I blogged about this giveaway.
http://cace-readysetwin.blogspot.com/2010/02/200-visa-gift-card.html
candaceotto32 at yahoo dot com

Laura Stewart said...

I am trying to get all of my family on facebook mobile and texting!

Amy L said...

Our kids are grown, and 1 lives out of state, so cell phone calls, texting, emails, and facebook helps us stay in touch on a daily basis. We’re all busy, but we keep up-to-date with each other’s lives, so we feel like we’re never far from each other.

Amy L said...

I Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/amylou61/status/8839531782

Angela G said...

My kids are 6, 3 and 6 months so I stay conected with them by getting down on the floor and playing with them. We always have a blast!
ag1414@hotmail.com

Angela G said...

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ag1414/status/8840717199
ag1414@hotmail.com

VickieB said...

My son is grown and the family is scattered. I have a personal blog and a personal Facebook account and a Shutterfly site. We keep in touch using those and the phone.

VickieB said...

blogged http://vickieb52.blogspot.com/2010/02/win-visa-gift-card.html

VickieB said...

tweet http://twitter.com/vlbsweeps/status/8842877652

Unknown said...

keep connected through emails, social networks, text messaging and phone calls.

shopgurl101 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

blogged http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/sprint-and-blogher-ends-29

shopgurl101 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/8845549203

shopgurl101 AT gmail DOT com

Nancy said...

We try and keep connected through phone calls and emails. Hate to say it, but email seems so much easier with everyone's busy schedules and the different time zones we live in.

Anonymous said...

I think nightly famiy dinners are the best way to keep the family connected!

annalene said...

I plan on using my cell phone a lot more. I typically reserve it for emergencies but my family is spending more and more time apart so using the cell phone is the quickest and most practical way to stay in touch!

-annalene
email address is visible in profile

The Mommy-Files said...

I am going to make it a goal to use webcam a lot more with my parents, sisters, and friends. I'm also going to make more of an effort to IM them and talk on the cell phone. :)

themommyfiles (at) gmail (dot) come

Lindsey said...

We can't always have dinner together but my family eats at least one meal together a day. Sometimes my husband works late so we have breakfast together before he has to go. Its a great way to stay connected.

Julie said...

I live out of state from my mom,sister and most of my immediate family who I dearly love. We keep connected by phone calls and cute care packages in the mail

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Anne said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/8872257628

ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

tina reynolds said...

email and greeting cards we are also trying video calls with the grandparents that live far away eaglesforjack@gmail.com

tina reynolds said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/8873844103

redfuzzycow said...

we stay connected by cooking together!

petteytiffany@yahoo.com said...

we text and also go mobile on yahoo