Hey, I need advice on a Christmas gift...

[3kidsmommy]

Hi, all. Nope, never posted here, but it seemed a good place to ask a question. My son has an awesome teacher this year. I just love, love, love him and it is the first year my son, who has autism, has been included 100% in all the going ons of the classroom. Anyway...
We would like to get a plaque for his house this year for Christmas. Something really nice to thank him for everything he has done. I would like for it to be a family plaque because he and his partner just bought a new house together and having had the pleasure to meet him partner, I am certain he would also love it! BUT...since the last names, unfortunatley, aren't the same, how do I do the typical "King Family" ,etc. sign? First names? First and last? OR..anyone have an awesome saying I could use instead? Thanks so much for any help!!! It is appreciated. (and now, I am hoping that he doesn't DIS--I know he loves WDW...if so, let's hope he doesn't read this thread. )

 

[ConcKahuna]

That's a tough one. If you know the person well, I would probably say to put the first names on it. If you want something a little more formal, maybe first and last. Both last names might work as well.


And as I re-read that I realize it doesnt help a bit

 

[3kidsmommy]

I was wondering if the "Smith and Jones Family" would work...I want to keep it so that when they adopt children, which they plan on doing in the next couple of years, that it will still fit. Geesh...maybe it would be easier to get the typical teacher gifts that end up in the ummmm....special box. lolol... After so many bad years with my son, though, it is beyond thrilling to have this person take such an interest in my son and my family! Gives me the warm fuzzies!

 

[M4travels]

As you enter the Wonder or Magic to begin your cruise they announce the family name. Last January they asked us for our family name and we looked at them and said: Boyer and LaMotte.

"Welcome the Boyer and LaMotte family" was announced and we were quite happy! It works for us!
Michael

 

[Psychometrika]

It's my first post in a long while, but your desire is so touching, I had to respond. I teach in a College of Education and can tell you the teacher will be quite taken and overwhelmed with such a gift. They have difficult jobs.

Here are a few suggestions...

When I and my husband named our house we took "Stone" and "Swanson" and merged into "Swanstone". Add manor to that, and it was perhaps a bit cutsie, but fun. Obviously that won't work with all names.

There's no problem with including both last names on the plaque. That seems reasonable and actually, whether gay or straight, with the naming these days, is really about the same thing. For instance, many straight families use hyphenated names. That's a possibilty.

However, I think my favourite suggestion would be one you mentioned - an expression or phrase. Rather than having us think of one, provide our favourites, etc. what does your heart tell you? You are clearly a loving person and have lots of thoughts inside. Choose something that means something to you personally. Further, having worked with autistic children in the past - perhaps you and your son could work together on something, though I don't know his age or level. Something that comes from your heart and his will touch the teacher more than a 1,000 Hallmark cards.

Thanks for brightening my day.