Mimi
Registered: 03/23/07
Posts: 10
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Reply with quote | #16 |
Dear Cathern: Thank you for posting your thoughts. I found them very interesting. Our little men (4 and 2) were here with their Mama from June 16 to July 17; Papa came July 7th to visit and pick them up. We had a wonderful visit. As they are so young, and live so far away, we have not yet had an opportunity to have just one (or both) alone without a parent. My daughter is a terrific mother and daughter, and we plan things to do together while they are here, and isn't at all bothered if we want to take them off for a bit.
I think its important for LD grandparents to remember visits are relatively short, and I found you have to be careful with what you plan - even if parents are here too. One can do too much, and it just wears everyone out. We talked prior to their visit that they needed to be part of our lives, that we lived differently, and she was really happy to do so...little-to-no TV as its summer, and we wanted to spend time with them, not the tube. I keep a list of "things to do", and we pick off that list as needed. They don't live in an area where there are sidewalks and its not as safe to let them out in the yard, so being here and being outside on the sidewalks with big wheels and riding toys...just running up and down...was a real treat for them that never wore out! Hey, they're boys...4 and 2...so even watching trucks drive down the street was fun..LOL.
Still, we were exhausted when they left, and very sad. It was nice to have our lives back, but their little voices echo in the silence.
Take care and keep the comments coming everyone! I have learned so much from you all.
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smartmcs
Registered: 09/15/07
Posts: 2
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Reply with quote | #17 |
I will soon be a not too long distance grandmother. My son and his wife live about 5 hours from me. But there may come a time when they will be farther away. They want to do mission work. I was thinking about two web cams. Is it really that easy and practical?
Chris
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Mimi
Registered: 03/23/07
Posts: 10
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Reply with quote | #18 |
Two webcams are a MUST, smartmcs! One for you and one for them. Web cams are actually very affordable - so much so that we are going to replace ours, and give new ones to our children. The newer ones clip to the screen and are easier to focus. Getting the families to cooperate with web cam "dates" can take some work, so I try to remain flexible and set it up ahead of time. Good luck! |
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SeeYourLovedOnes
Registered: 01/13/08
Posts: 2
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Reply with quote | #19 |
Hi all
I have found a better alternative than a web cam. It is a video phone that you dial just like a phone. No computer is necessary but an internet connection still is required. No need to arrange calls with the other person, no need to adjust web cams on top of something, just dial, sit comfortably adn have a conversation.
It is called the Ojo Video Phone, http://www.ojophone.com
It comes in 2 models, one for approx $250 that does not have a cordless handset and one that has a cordless handset, that runs for approx $340
Once both sides of the conversation have one, you both sign up for up for the service which costs $10 per month and gives you unlimited video calling.
Then you plug it into your internet connection and dial your loved one. When the video phone answers, the video screen defaults to not showing your picture (defaults to privacy) but you simply hit select and your video is presented to the other. When someone you know calls you, their picture displays on the 7" screen to let you know who it is calling. There is also 20 minutes of video messaging so if you're not home, they could leave a long message if desired.
This phone has changed our lives and it could change your family's also.
Take Care
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SeeYourLovedOnes
Registered: 01/13/08
Posts: 2
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Reply with quote | #20 |
Hi
I came across this on youtube.com when I searched for "ojo video phone"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GdMx3vAiC8
It's a comparison between a web cam and a video phone.
Personally I would not get a web cam due to the lesser quality than a video phone. I hate the delay and chopiness with a web cam, and you have to buy a very good web cam. The video phone is just more realistic and real time with the voice and video
have fun
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