The Red Plate Stories

From Our Mouths to God's Ears

2009-09-18T06:49:00.000-05:00

FROM: RH, Burney Ca
Story Content: My husband and I were going through pre-marital conseling with our pastor. He asked what kind of traditions we would like to have as a married couple. We said we would like to have a red plate. From our mouths to God's ears, we got our red plate. We just placed an order for a young married couple.

Recognizing a Child's Special Moments

2009-02-04T15:00:00.000-06:00

FROM: MPS, St. Louis, MO
My PEO Chapter had a baby shower for one of the newest and youngest members. All of the girls were surprised to learn and new and blessed tradition of recognizing a child's Special moments. We have multiple generations in this group and how nice to see something so simple but perfect carried on from one to another. SOOOO many of us have started to keep the Red Plate Tradition going in our families.

Rediscovering You Are Special

2008-11-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

BY: Generalist
When people first discover the You Are Special Today Red Plate tradition, they are usually captivated by the opportunities it presents for life-giving affirmation of others. This blogger chanced upon a red plate refreshing memories of the plate as positive part of her childhood. How wonderful to have positive triggers.

Sharing the Family Tradition

2008-07-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

FROM: Generalist
From the very beginning of this blog we have enjoyed connecting people to the stories of those who celebrate the tradition of the Red Plate. This blogger's great post about how the Red Plate Tradition is meaningful in her family has the added bonus of many comments from readers. Some of talk about celebrating the tradition in a similar way but using blue plates, green plates and a special plate made at the pottery store.

This Blogger mentions having two plates so that she can let both her children know they are special. Perhaps she should get ready for the possibility that some day the tables may turn and the kids will set out the plates for her and her husband. Our family has two plates but six children (we aren't ready to go that far). We have enjoyed the ocassional "Twofer" with the plates set out for the grandparents, two children in the play, or by our kids for our own aniversary.

The most plates in one houshold we know of is the Masche family who were given six plates by RedPlateStore.com after the birth of their sextuplets in June of 2007. Six birthdays at the same time, Yikes!

Creating Traditions

2007-11-03T19:52:00.000-05:00

BY: Generalist
I know that most families who incorporate the red plate into family celebrations have a passion to create and maintain family traditions that strengthen and affirm individual family members. This adoption focussed blogger talks about the Special Red Plate and other "special plate" options. Make sure you go all the way to the bottom of her post where she links to other great ideas for creating traditions.

Big Occasions and Small

2007-09-29T18:43:00.000-05:00

FROM: LC, Yucca Valley, CA
I grew up with a Red Plate. My mother would use it for big occasions as well as small - a birthday, a good grade on a test, a promotion for my dad. We never knew ahead of time, it was something that she did to show us that she knew that it was an important day and that she loved us. I look forward to the day when I am able to give my children that same gift of love and acknowledgement.

Making Meals and Memories

2007-09-28T21:59:00.000-05:00

FROM: Generalist
I am always delighted when I see a blogger who comments on the role the "You Are Special Today" Red Plate plays in their family life. This fan of the red plate has some good suggestions for time to use the red plate along with other great ideas to make family meal time memorable.

Pass the Tradition on

2007-09-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

FROM: EJM, Kansas City Mo
I was given the plate in 1982 from a close friend. My family has used the plate for milestone birthdays, First Communions, job promotions, knighting ceremonies, and most recently the introduction of my new daughter-in-law into the family. On my son's 30th birthday, his new wife was so impressed with the traditions behind the plate, that I purchased one for them for Christmas. She was very touched to be able to start the tradition for herself and my son. I am now planning to purchase one as a wedding present and pass the tradition on again. Thank you so much for the opportunity to do so.

September 11, 2001-2007

2007-09-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

BY: CRW, Rockford, IL
On this the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the USA I want to share a photo of Lucas, born September 11, 2001. Lucas turns six today and here he is enjoying a breakfast of homemade pancakes on our family's "You Are Special Today" Red plate.

Today as our country remembers those lost, we remember our blessing and extend our condolences to all who lost a loved one on the day we gained one. His name Lucas Samuel, chosen in response to the events the day of his birth means "bringer of light" "God has heard"

Six Very Special Babies

2007-09-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

FROM: MR
A couple of months ago I contacted you about a possible discount and/or donation of Red Plates for a dear friend who was expecting sextuplets (see www.maschemiracles.com). I was so appreciative of your willingness and enthusiasm when you called and said you would be happy to donate all 6 plates! I am so thankful to report that the babies were born June 11 and all 6 are healthy and beginning to go home! - As just a small thank you, I decided to give Red Plates for two weddings we have coming up and have just placed that order with you. Thank You!

FROM: GENERALIST
It was a pleasure. I imagine they will be plenty of events in the coming years when those plate will be used for family celebrations. Congratulations Jenny & Bryan and many happy years to Bailey, Blake, Cole, Grant, Molli & Savannah.

Hope Amid Sorrow

2007-08-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

FROM: RAG,Brunswick, OH
I was at a baby shower today and learned of the red plate I am so glad that I was there today because on April 21st I lost my brother, So I now have something to look forward to giving to my kids and to others who are close to me and they can pass this along to others. Thank You.

COMMENT: From Generalist
Our condolences on your loss. Your ability to see the value of encouraging and appreciating others even in your sorrow is a gift.

Red Plate Treatment

2007-08-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

FROM: JM, Santa Maria, CA
Early in our marriage I learned of the red plate tradition from a friend and quickly incorporated it into our family's celebration of special occasions. After all our children left home we took in a single man from our church as a border.

Coming form a disfunctional familiy, Mike enjoyed the times of celebration when our family gathered for special occasions. When his birthday came around I asked what flavor of cake he wanted me to make him. He responded that he didn't care about the cake. He said all he wanted was to make sure he would get the red plate treatment!

Special Child Sparks Special Plate

2007-07-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

FROM: DTE, Woodbridge, VA
I am so excited!!! I just got my very own red plate. Over twenty years ago when I was in college, I went home with a girlfriend. While visiting with her family I was honored to eat off of the " You Are Special Today" plate. I thought that was nicest gesture. Well, my husband and I just announced that we are adopting a child from Africa after 18 years of marriage. After receiving her announcement that same girlfriend sent me a Red Plate so that I continue that tradition with my family as I begin motherhood. I will cherish this gift forever!!!

2007-07-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

FROM: KBY, Long Beach, CA
I grew up with the Red Plate. We always had it out for birthdays and other special events. When I got married 6 years ago, I was thrilled to find it as one of our wedding presents. My husband and I love to surprise each other with it on the table for birthdays, Valentine's Day and in the past 3 years for Mother's Day and Father's Day. We can't wait to start using it for our children. My brother is getting married in a couple of months and I can't wait to give him a Red Plate as a wedding gift.

I Fell In Love With It

2007-07-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

FROM: CN, Tallmadge,OH
My story is how I learned about your wonderful Red Plate. I was at a wedding shower and the lady next to me had given it as a gift and I fell in love with it! I haven't been able to buy myself one but I bought one for my daughter that got married in June. I have decided that it is going to be my gift to all my children as they get married (which I have to order 2 more this year) and for friends and family that are getting married. I just love it. What a wonderful tradition to pass on. God Bless!

Future Mother-In-Law Surprises Groom-To-Be

2007-07-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

FROM: MB, Littleton, CO
Our daughter's boyfriend, Jared, invited my husband and me to dinner at an Italian restaurant. We had a pretty good idea that he was going to ask for our blessing before he proposed to Liz. So I brought my Red Plate in a large handbag and, while supposedly going to find the restroom, gave the plate to the wait staff to serve his dinner on. Fortunately, we guessed correctly! The wedding is set for July 2008.

Back at the Table After Cancer

2007-06-27T01:09:00.000-05:00

FROM: CW, Rockford, IL
I was with my mother when she was diagnosed with cancer. She had been a great support to my wife and I with our young children and now we needed to be there for her. Thankfully, her surgery and chemotherapy removed all signs of the cancer. It was a very special event, when following all of her treatments she came to our house for dinner. At her place we set the red plate.

Red Plate Birthday

2007-06-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

BY: Generalist
Bithdays are special days and this blog writer make sure that those with birthdays in their family know "You Are Special Today." In fact it looks like every child at the party was made to feel special.

Good Job Camden!

2007-05-14T08:10:00.000-05:00

FROM: Generalist
With The school year nearing an end, there are numerous opportunities to celebrate the efforts of children. This mother blogs about her son's hard work on the end of the year project and her use of the You are Special Red Plate to tell him "good job!"" Keep your eyes open and you will see opportunities to affirm your children and grandchildren. Thanks Katrina for this great story.

Adoption - Welcome to the Family!

2007-05-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

FROM: CL, Montrose, CO
We have adopted two children, and our third is on his way. We have used our red plates to commemorate first their adoptions, then other special days, and my sons love it! My 7 year old insisted that I order another plate for his new 8 year old brother who is coming home from Kyrgyzstan in two weeks, he didn't want him to feel left out! I have a plate for each of our children that will hopefully one day be used by their children as well when they have their own families. As we await the arrival of our newest addition, our niece is pregnant and I wanted to start the tradition in her new family, so we are actually ordering 2 plates to welcome the newest arrivals, regardless of how they become a part of our family!

Happy Birthday Jennifer

2007-04-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

FROM: Generalist
Here is a "wonderful post" about how the You Are Special Today red plate had a featured role in birthday celebrations during this blogger's childhood. Celebrating differently this year while watching her two little ones during her spouses deployment I wanted to extend a "Happy birthday" (1 day late) to Jennifer.

2007-04-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

FROM: TB, St. Cloud, FL
One of the traditions that holds a treasure chest of memories in our family is "The Red Plate". For years, it has been used at our table when one of us had a milestone moment. Birthdays, first day of school, first date, anniversaries, weddings, competitions, tournaments, "just because" times:...the list of reasons to celebrate each other is endless.

Recently, when we attended my son's White Coat Ceremony at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, I once again brought out "The Red Plate." Feeling this was truly a landmark day in his life, we planned to celebrate at his favorite restaurant that evening. I privately arranged with the server to bring Adrian's choice of entre on our family's red plate. His reaction was one that I will long hold close in that secret place where mothers keep their most precious possessions.

His eyes lit up and he paused as if wondering why this server was putting his dinner in front of him on a "red plate." Then he beamed me a million watt smile and said to the server, "This is a long-standing tradition in our family. I can't believe my mom brought this plate all the way to Tampa for me!" The look we exchanged at that moment was priceless. He then remarked, "Mom, you know you've got to leave this plate to me when you're gone; it is a part of me." During the meal that followed, we talked about this piece of china that had been central to so many important days in our lives. Adrian asked me when and where I had gotten the plate. I couldn't remember many of the specifics - only a beautiful blur of warm pictures pressed between the pages of my mind. My heart only knew it was thankful for the myriad of memories centered around that round red dish.

13th Birthday with 8 Friends

2007-03-27T18:59:00.000-05:00

FROM: SEM, Gladstone MO
My mom has had the plate in our family for over 25 years. Whenever there has been a important event in our families life we get to use the "RED PLATE". I have gotten to use it for many Milestone Birthdays but I remember waking up after a slumber party for my 13th birthday, and all 8 of my friends coming down for breakfast and there sitting on the table was the RED PLATE. It allowed me to feel special and to share the story of the plate. Now everytime we get it out, we can read all the memories on the back and smile fondly. I plan to purchase a red plate for my best friends wedding and start the tradition again.

Our Plate is Filling with Special Occasions

2007-03-24T00:32:00.000-05:00

FROM: JS, Coopersburg PA
I came across the red plate in a gift shop while vacationing with my Aunt and Sister. It seemed like the perfect thing to start out my relationship with my boyfriend (now my husband). We had just started dating and just got our first apartment together. It is now five years later, and our plate is filling with special occasions such as our marriage, getting a new job, the birth of our son. I can't wait to fill the plate with more special occasions. The plate is displayed in our kitchen.

A few months ago, my best friend got married and I knew that the red plate would be a special gift for her, too. So, I gave her one and wrote her a note of how much we loved our plate and can't wait until she can see how many good things will happen in her life and that her plate will fill with all those good times.

The Best Baby Shower Gift Ever!

2007-03-20T19:54:00.000-05:00

FROM: NK, Rockledge, FL
I received my first RED Plate at my 1st baby shower. I'd never heard of it, and the person that gave it to me told me how it was used at special times in her house of 3 children. The way she talked about it really touched me and made me want to start my own tradition. I didn't use it 'till 5 years later, for my daughter's 5 yr birthday-that qualified as a special day!

I now have 2 children and I've used it for good report cards, birthdays, work promotions, etc..., not just for the kids, but for adults too. Every time it comes out, it brings a smile to whoever gets to use it that day. I've bought a couple more to give to them when they are older. To this day, I can say, that was the best baby shower gift ever!