The Art of Gift Receiving!

As with most things, there is the "other side" of gift giving - gift receiving. Receiving a gift should be an exciting and joyful occasion. How you react can tell the gift giver if they have accomplished what they set out to do.
Typically, the goal of a gifty person is to find a gift that is perfect for the recipient. This is a gift the recipient will enjoy and will be happy to receive. Some people are good at finding "the perfect gift" while others struggle or even dread this task. Then, of course, you have the people who think they are gifty but just don't quite have the knack. If you know someone like this, you might want to hint that there are online shopping services to help them find gift ideas. In any case, the receiver should remember that an effort was made, no matter how big or small, an effort was still made. It is good etiquette to accept a gift graciously and saying thank you is important.

How to Say Thank You
The thank you should be in person when possible. If you are given a gift in person, say thank you even if the gift is opened at a different time. If the gift is opened at a later time, a thank you note sent to the giver would be appropriate. If you open the gift in front of the giver, always make sure, even if you don't like the gift or if it just isn't your style, that you don't let it show in your expression. Facial expressions can speak a thousand words.
On some gift giving occasions, like baby showers or bridal showers, wedding, anniversary or graduation gifts, a thank you note should always be sent, even if you already expressed your gratitude in person. Many times these gifts are sent by mail or delivered directly to the recipient. Notifying the giver that the gift has arrived and expressing your gratitude through a phone call or email should be done promptly after a gift is received. A hand written thank you note should follow shortly after.
As with receiving a gift, giving a gift should also be exciting. Everyone knows the joy of watching a child open a Christmas or birthday gift, the excitement in their eyes and voice as they pull out the toy they have always wanted. With many gift givers this means more than the actual gift, just knowing they have made you happy with their choice.

The Art of Receiving

For every gift given, there is a gift received. Therefore, it seems strange that although most have mastered the art of giving, still many are not comfortable with the etiquette for receiving a gift. Recipients sometimes struggle with the humility required to receive a gift graciously.
Although we are taught that “it is better to give than to receive,” our ability to receive is equally as important as our ability to give. Giving is not a one-way street. In receiving a gift, we are immediately acknowledging the gift giver and returning the favor with a show of appreciation and kind words. Therefore, both the giver and the receiver can experience the benefits associated with giving.
Receiving is a social skill and must be practiced. Gifts received when hosting a party, for a birthday or holiday are perfect opportunities to master this skill. Whether you are thrilled with the gift or not, express your appreciation by complimenting their thoughtfulness and generosity. Smile when the gift is handed to you and open it in the presence of the giver.
Basically, to receive graciously requires more than just the words, “Thank You.” It requires focusing on someone who has done something special for you. Remember the old saying, “it is the thought that counts.”

International Customs for Receiving Gifts
Japan - It is customary to receive gifts with both hands, and before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice.
China - A gift should be refused the gift three times before accepting it. The giver will continue to insist that you accept the gift.
Ireland - Gifts are usually opened in front of the giver. When receiving a gift, it is customary to politely refuse a gift when it is first offered.
Russia - Gifts for children are opened in private, while gifts for adults are opened in the presence of others. If your gift is well-received, you will hear many 'thank-yous.
Arab Cultures - Gifts are received with the right hand, not with the left. Using both hands, however, is acceptable.
South Korea - When a person receives a gift, it is customary for the recipient to give another gift of similar value in return at a later time.
Singapore - People will usually refuse a gift before accepting it and gifts are not unwrapped in the presence of the giver. These customs are to prevent the recipient from appearing greedy.
Related Links
The Thank You Note
Etiquette for Office / Business Gift Giving
When Gifts Should be Opened
When you Should Give a Gift
Declining a Gift
Retrieved from "http://www.giftypedia.com/Receiving_a_Gift"

I love this post!! It is really up to us to teach proper ettiquette in all things. So everyone, even if the kids rebell or joke about it, it still is important we learn just how "to be" in our social lives at home and in public!!

Okay

So I have been following this one blog and today this person was talking about the
"it's okay" things.
So, I thought I would put into writing what I feel is "ok" too.

It's okay------to eat candy once in awhile and really have alot
It's okay------to cry in a movie or show that touches your heart.
It's okay------to spill or to make a mess and not clean it up once in a while.
It's okay------to let your children see your hurts.
It's okay------to laugh loud, really loud when something is funny.
It's okay------let the laundry go for a few days.
It's okay------to eat at Bajio's twice a week.
It's okay------ to pass gas, everyone does it.
It's okay------to struggle.
It's okay------to hate ketchup.
It's okay------to not like certain behaviors.
It's okay------to desire respect and love.
It's okay------to have a problem and sort through it.
It's okay------to just be.
It's okay -----to be imperfect. Holy Cow, we all are!

It's NOT okay-----to give up!
It's NOT okay-----to compare our weaknesses to others strengths! Or compare AT ALL!
It's NOT okay-----to put others down especially without understanding. We will NEVER know others circumstances, only God does.

What we really need to do though is
LISTEN
Listen with our hearts,
Listen with our minds,
Listen with our eyes.

Just listen.

No competition. Just understanding.

So I loved this opportunity to be reminded it's okay to have imperfections, and look to the Savior to help us with them! Look UP not SIDEWAYS for our self-worth!

The One Special Day!

Happy Mother's Day, all you beautiful Mothers!!

Blessed so much this week!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks holds a very special place in our hearts here at the Preston home!! Not only because he is a member of the Quorum of the twelve Apostles, but because he is the father to a special friend and neighbor of mine. As of late, we have had the privilege of talking with him, of listening to him and being around him. First, was his grandson getting married and he was there to chat with about Mikes' days in the football locker room when he was Pres. of BYU! He is just so charming and when he laughs he throws his head back and lets out a jovial, full laugh. I LOVE IT!! And so does my husband. He is always happy and loves to mingle with people!

He spoke at Women's Conference this last week along with his wife. To put his talk into a paragraph, he said, "When we're centered on Christ and service to our fellow man, we have a standard of right and wrong, and we know what to do about it. Service is an imperative for true followers of Christ.".....he talked about the causes of stress, including financial, emotional and physical issues. Women, who are prominently positioned as nurturers, sometimes need a break from the weight put upon them. The result of these stresses,is fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. The answer to the fear caused by all of these stresses is the HOPE and ASSURANCE that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our faith causes us to trust in its author. His strength is sufficient to sustain us, and His promises are sure." Sounds like a Primary song, yes?

Sis. Oaks said, "As women, too, w set very high expectations for ourselves, at times we feel mired down by personal inadequacies, both real and imagined, sometimes counting calories more than counting blessings." She said, the world is already full of challenges and opposition and self-criticism is unnecessary. No one is expected to make it through this life alone, and Sis. Oaks emphasized the importance of remembering the presence of an almighty, loving Father.

Elder Oaks offered prophetic counsel: "service is the antidote for the amorality and individualism that corrodes our society." He cautioned women to be aware of the adversary's attempts to magnify selfish desires. LDS need to be vigilant and hold fast to eternal truths.
Elder Oaks mother would say at home: "It's amazing how much you can get done if you don't worry about who gets the credit."
He also cautioned sisters to be conscious of motives behind service and to ensure self-gratification is not one of them. We may fool man or ourselves, but we cannot fool the Lord. The Lord sees our hearts. he knows our motives and our reasons for service.

The best motivator for service is the LOVE OF GOD and his children.

Sis. Oaks asked the listeners to "become a bit more patient, a bit more diligent, quicker to smile. less inclined to find fault, more temple attending, more modest, and study the scriptures and learn sound doctrine.

Good righteous decisions on a daily basis will have large consequences. Even in trying times, always stand by the values and principles taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Choose the better part, trust in our Lord.

Then yesterday, I went to a member of our Ward's funeral. Carl Hawkins. And Elder Oaks and Elder Hafen was there to speak. What a most wonderful, spiritual experience that was! How one life made such a difference in the Lord's kingdom because he made the decision to do so. But the most wonderful thing to hear from an Apostle was that this man was with Nelma and he was seeing his salvation. And we knew Carl and Nelma well, they were a great example of integrity, of sound mind, of respect, of service, of Love for the Lord and using their intellect and time for the purpose of building the kingdom.

So, hence, I feel great gratitude for being in attendance and for reading Elder Oaks words. There truly is nothing like walking amongst the disciples of Christ.

No more!

Goodness!!! After being so careful with my diet for so long, I have been a little off the wagon. I had a chocolate chip cookie on the ottoman because a phone call came in. Soooooo, guess whoooooo came over and snuck it?????

You got it, it was Daisy, the one who lies in wait for opportunity!!

She took it and ran! So guess what, I guess that means. NO MORE for me!!

It's a sign.

Gotta Sweat

Okay guys, I gotta say, Christina's "sweet" blog is mean't just for her! But her words are for you to get up and cooking! She is an inspiration of hard work and diligence!! Go read it and follow her day to day workouts! It isn't easy to say the least!! AND she has kids and she homeschools. None of us have a single excuse NOT to exercise!

You go girls! (gottasweat.blogspot.com)

I really choose to be open, as hard as it is sometimes!

Open hearts or crushed hearts???

Elder Todd Christofferson said , " The gospel cannot be written in your heart unless your heart is open!"

Trials do not have to crush our hearts, but open them to the light of Christ!! We can choose between a heart that is bitter or hard or a heart that is soft and open.

What say ye???