Happy New Year . . .

It is New Year's Eve Day . . . or as someone I know on facebook said, "Old Year's Day"! This past year held many wonderful days for me . . . my grandson Caleb was born :^) - hooray!!!! - and my grandson Josiah turned 3 :^) - hooray!!!! I have been able to see God's blessing on my daughter, Tiffany and my son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Jackie! My husband Dave and I celebrated our 30th anniversary . . . the year sure did fly by!!! 

I'm Giving Away one Brittany Hargest, Love All The Way CD!

I write two blogs . . . this one, and About the Children's Department - which is a blog about children's ministry. On both of my blogs, I often review things and give them away, and on my other blog, like on this blog, I give winners one month to get their address to me so I can send their prize to them. If I do not hear back from them in the month, I have a second-chance drawing. So, I have another item for a second-chance drawing I thought you all might like to know about!

Time for a Hug . . . I'm Giving One Away!

Time for a Hug

Authors - Phillis Gershator and Mim Green
illustrator - David Walker
Publisher - Sterling Children's Books
Ages - 3+


Favorite Features -

• adorable illustrations - lots of color and so many details to notice with your little ones
• wonderful story of a little bunny's day and how at different times it is "time for a hug" - what's not to love about this?!!!
• encourages counting and learning to tell time - and hugging!

Okay, this book is so sweet . . . and along with being sweet, it teaches a number of things . . . counting, telling time and identifying the things you might do throughout your day. But in addition to all these things, this book is all about hugging! As the little bunny goes through his day, it is "time for a hug" . . . and of course when you read those words, you have to "hug" your grandchildren! I love this book! I can tell there will be lots of "hugging" around here every time it is read!

Second-Chance Give-Away for Jungle World Sticker Book!

A little over a month ago I reviewed and gave away one Jungle World Sticker Book (you will find the review at this link), but the person who won it never got their address to me (I give winners one month to get their address to me) So, I still have one Jungle World Sticker book to give away, but this time I will draw names from the people who comment below to let me know they would like the book! The drawing will be on January 6th, so if you would like your name in this special drawing, please comment below or on my facebook page!

crafting with grandma . . . Grand Prix Car Slippers

 My grandson Josiah loves cars! He loves "fixing" cars . . . his daddy is a mechanic after-all . . . he loves "driving" cars, he loves playing with cars . . . he just flat out loves cars! So, when he asked me to make some slippers for him, it seemed pretty obvious what "kind" of slippers I needed to make! I looked on-line and found a pattern for Grand Prix Slippers . . . and got busy making a pair for Josiah and an additional pair for baby Caleb! 

grandma's cookbook . . . Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread!

I was browsing again on Pinterest and found what has to be one of the most amazing recipes for cinnamon bread ever . . . cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread! This is going to find it's way to a table in front of my family very, very soon . . . I'm sure your family would be delighted to find it on a table in front of them very, very soon, too! :^)


This recipe has vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, plus sugar and butter, so what isn't there to absolutely fall in love with??? :^) Follow the link above for the recipe as you will also find photos showing how to make this delectable bread! Enjoy!

grandma's music "notes" . . . Go Fish Guys- Praise!

I am so happy to share a new cd/dvd of music for your grandchildren from Go Fish Guys . . . Praise! This cd/dvd goes with their new VBS for 2012, but you could get the music to enjoy whether your church uses the VBS or not! This cd/dvd is amazing and includes eight songs - which you can hear clips of at this link -

grandma's bookshelf . . . Puff, the Magic Dragon Pop-up Book!

I love pop-up books . . . they add such a fun "touch" to any story . . . and pop-up books these days can be pretty amazing, too! So, when I had the opportunity to review the new  Puff, the Magic Dragon Pop-Up Book, I was delighted to do so!

"The Great Ocean of God's Love" . . .

I love The Grandmother's Bible . . . today I read a devotional by Corrie Ten Boom and thought I'd share a bit of it with you . . . Corrie writes . . . "God's love is the greatest reality, here and now - not only if we live in a beautiful house and have enough to eat, but even if the very worst happens in the life of a child of God, the best remains, namely God's love. I experienced that love when I was imprisoned in a concentration camp during the war. Each morning they held roll call. The supervisor used that time to demonstrate her cruelty. One morning I could hardly bear to see and hear what was happening in front of me. Then a lark started to sing in the air. All the prisoners looked up. I looked up too, and listened to the bird, but I looked further and saw heaven. I thought of Psalm 103:11, 'For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love (for) those who fear him.' I suddenly saw that the ocean of God's great love is greater than human cruelty. God sent the lark every day for three weeks to teach us to direct our eyes to Him. God wants to conquer our largest and smallest difficulties through His love. Think of the problems in your life at this moment. Are there problems you cannot conquer with human love? Do it from now on with God's love, God's 'agape', which never falls short."

It's Christmas . . .

It is Christmas and I'm looking forward to spending it with grandchildren . . . and of course my son, daughter-in-law and hubby (sadly, my daughter is ill and won't be joining us today). I have the bread in the bread machine and will be starting the lasagna shortly . . . I'm leaning towards making cookies with Josiah after dinner! There are a few more gifts to open, but the most important thing will be the time we spend talking about the reason we are able to celebrate . . . the birth of Jesus!


If you know Jesus, then I'm sure you'll be celebrating one of the most important happenings in all of history, too! If you do not yet know Him, I pray this year you will come to know Him Who loves you so much, He was willing to leave Heaven, be born as a tiny baby in a stable and ultimately grow up and give His life on a cross so we can be forgiven! Talk about the best Gift ever!!!


Merry Christmas everyone, and thank you for reading my blog!

Merry Christmas . . . Mary Did You Know?

There are many wonderful Christmas songs we all enjoy each year, but one song, while it hasn't been around very many years, is sure to find it's place on most "favorite" Christmas song lists . . . Mary Did You Know by Mark Lowry! This song is being sung by lots of people, and is being sung well by them, but no one sings it like Mark Lowry! Enjoy!

crafting with grandma . . . Fun Snowman-in-a-Bag!

So . . . Christmas dinner is finished, the gifts have all been opened and your grandchildren are looking for something to do . . . try this craft I found on Pinterest with them . . . a Snowman-in-a-Bag!

I Have a Winner in My Sara Groves Invisible Empires CD Give-away!

I'm happy to announce Cheralee England-Johns is the winner in my Sara Groves Invisible Empires CD give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Cheralee for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address so I can send this to you) and thank you Provident for sending one cd for me to review and another for me to give away! 

I Have a Winner in My Mother's & Babies Game Give-away!

I'm happy to say Mindi Young Battraw is the winner in my Mothers And Babies Game give-away! (you'll find the review at this link) Thank you Mindi for reading grandma's cookie jar (Please message me your address so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Ravensburger for sending one for me to review and for making another available for give-away!

grandma's cookbook . . . No-bake Oreo Treats!!!

Nearly everyone loves rice crispy treats and nearly everyone loves oreo cookies . . . so what do you get if you "mix" the two together??? Oreo Treats! I found this recipe on 
Pinterest and will be making them this weekend with Josiah!!!

crafting with grandma . . . Simple, Fun, Unique No-Slip Socks!

If you are a grandma who likes to give socks as gifts, consider adding a fun "touch" and turning  regular socks into unique, fun, no-slip socks! I was browsing on Pinterest and found the directions for making your own no-slip socks . . . they would make great "stocking" stuffers!!!

crafting with grandma . . . Book-page Star Ornaments!!!

If you are looking for a simple, fun and beautiful craft you could make with your grandchildren for Christmas, consider the Book-page Star Ornaments I saw on Pinterest! You'll find complete directions for making these little stars and putting them into a glass ornament, so have fun! Make several . . . they would make beautiful gifts for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, pastor gifts, neighbor gifts . . . . and certainly fun to have on your own tree, too! Use metallic paper for shiny stars or paper your grandchildren colored with chalk, crayons, paint . . . use your imagination and just think of the fun and beautiful ornaments you can make!

Christmas is Just Four Days Away . . . Merry Christmas . . . Silent Night by Casting Crowns

Jesus is the Reason for the Season and we can celebrate because of what happened on the Silent Night so very long ago! Enjoy this song sung by Casting Crowns and Merry Christmas!

Fun, Last-Minute, Simple Christmas Craft!

I was browsing through Pinterest last week and happened to find a great, simple craft idea which would be a fun thing for grandchildren to make at their grandma's house Christmas Sunday! All you need are a few simple - and tasty - supplies!  

I Have a Winner in My A Dog is a Dog Book Give-away!

I'm happy to announce Rebecca Warner Calvello is the winner in my A Dog Is a Dog book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Rebecca for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Chronicle Kids for sending this book for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

grandma's bookshelf - The 39 Clues: Cahills vs Vespers Book 2: A King's Ransom

If you have elementary age grandchildren, they likely know about - and have read or are reading - the book series, the 39 Clues. This series of books had children racing around the world to find 39 clues. At the conclusion to this series, a new series began . . . the 39 Clues: Cahills vs Vespers and the excitement of an around-the-world search for clues and treasures begins all over again. The release of Book 2: A King's Ransom is sure to have kids heading to the library and book store in search of the book which will let them know what happens next!


The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers Book 2: A King's Ransom

grandma's bookshelf . . . Letters and Coloring!

If you have young grandchildren who are learning their letters and colors and who love to color, these activity books from FlashKids/Sterling are great for gifts . . . or for anytime!

Great Craft Idea . . . Time Capsule Ornament!

The other day I was browsing on Pinterest and came across an amazing idea . . . Time Capsule Ornaments! I love this idea so much I will be going back and making one for the past three years for Josiah! The basic idea is simple - take a clear ornament and using glue write the number for the age of a child then cover the glue with glitter. Allow to dry. Type or write a list of characteristics, milestones or things you want to remember about your grandchild from the past year, roll up, tie with a ribbon and put inside the ornament along with a slip of paper with their name written on it - if the child is able to write their own name, have them do so.

I'm Thrilled to Share - a Child Has Been Recovered!!!

Several weeks ago I asked you to pray for a little five year old girl named Madison Jewel Richardson who went missing from her home . . . I'm thrilled to let you know she has been recovered! Thank you for your prayers!

grandma's heartbreak:^( - missing children - Ayla Reynolds

Recently I started a new section to my blog . . . unlike the others, this one is very serious and sad. Across the country and around the world children are missing. Some are runaways. Some have been taken by a parent or other family member. Others have been taken by strangers. In all these cases there is heartbreak as families wait for word on the whereabouts of their loved missing children. We need to be praying for these families and these children. We need to be watching - often children are found because someone saw something and took the time to share what they saw. If you see any of these children, call 911 immediately.

So far I have shared photos and information about  Jhessye Shockley,  Aliayah Lunsford, Sky Metalwala, Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton and  Bianca Jones . Sadly, these children are still missing. Please keep them in your prayers. 

Today I ask you to pray for a missing girl, Ayla Reynolds. This little girl is one year old, is listed as an "Endangered Missing" child, and is missing from Waterville, Maine. She was last seen in her home at approximately 10pm on December 16th. Ayla has blond hair and blue eyes, weighs 30 pounds and her arm is in a sling. Ayla's family is heartbroken and wants to know where she is. Please pray for this sweet girl and for her family and please share this post.

grandma's chuckles:^) . . . He Most Certainly Is a Boy!

I hope all of you take a moment to jot down the sweet, adorable and funny things your grandchildren say . . . they are treasures most certainly worth saving! I know I wish I would have done this with my children when they were young so I could enjoy all over again the things they said and did when they were little.

A Most Merry Christmas . . . the Hallelujah Chorus!!! (Enjoy!!!)

Okay, this has to be one of my favorite Christmas videos . . . sit back and enjoy!!!!

I'm Giving Away One Phil Wickham - Response - CD on My Other Blog!

If you are looking for music with clear, beautiful sound and solid messages, most certainly take a look at Phil Wickham! His new CD - Phil Wickham - Response - is aptly titled as he shares the invitation with the listener to respond to Jesus in faith and then in worship! It is one sure to make your play-list!

Sara Groves . . . Invisible Empires . . . I'm Giving One Away!

If you are looking for music you will enjoy and which will make you think take a look at Sara Groves! Her songs on her new cd - Sara Groves Invisible Empires - has almost a hauntingly sweet, clear sound- they seem to be the prayers of a woman looking for answers and choosing to trust. (You may listen to clips of each song at this link)

Mothers and Babies . . . I'm Giving One Game Away!

I know my grandson, Josiah loves to play games . . . doesn't matter what the game is, he loves to play games! I suspect your grandchildren are similar! If you are looking for a great "first" game for your young grandchildren, take a look at Mother's and Babies!

crafting with grandma . . . Quick, Fun Hobby Horse!

I was browsing on Pinterest and found the directions for a quick, fun, hobby horse! (Actually on the Disney FamilyFun site) You could make one for or with your grandchild . . . check these simple, step-by-step instructions!

I Have a Winner in My USA Pan Pie Pan Give-away!

I'm happy to announce Melinda Berenbrock is the winner in my USA PAN Pie Pan Give-away! (You'll find my review at this link) Thank you Melinda for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address at lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com by January 15th so I can send it to you) and thank you USA PAN for sending one pie pan for me to review and another for me to give away!

I Have a Winner in My Knex Roary's Silver Hatch Garage Give-away!

I'm happy to announce Carmen VanDeursen is the winner in my Knex Roary's Silvery Hatch Garage building set give-away! (You'll find my review at this link) Thank you Carmen for reading grandma's cookie jar (Carmen, please message me your address by  December 22nd at lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Knex for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

Knex Roary Silver Hatch Garage Building Set . . . I'm Giving One Away Tomorrow!

Don't forget, tomorrow is my drawing for the Knex Roary Silver Hatch Garage Building Set! I'm giving one away - if you have "liked" grandma's cookie jar using the tab in the "find us on facebook" box ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in my drawing! If you have not "liked" this blog yet, please take a moment to do so and you will be entered in my give-away! It is this simple! If you "share" any of my posts, you'll receive an additional entry each time you "share" - feel free to let me know when you share! 


Thank you for reading grandma's cookie jar and for sharing it with the people you know!

Apple Pie Pancakes from 365 30-minute meals!

I recently had the opportunity to review 365 30-minute meals from Better Homes & Gardens/Wiley and while it is filled with amazing recipes, I thought the one for Apple Pie Pancakes is one you all might enjoy . . . maybe it could be the recipe you use to begin a new family Christmas morning tradition!

A Fun Idea for Someone on Your Gift List . . .

If you have a family member or friend who lives far away, but you'd like to send them cookies for Christmas, consider sending them something sweet from Mrs. Fields! 


I particularly love their Alpine Polar Bear Jar . . . of course it is filled with sweet treats to eat, and when the cookies are gone the Polar Bear Cookie jar remains!!!!  Send your favorite cookie recipe as well so whomever receives it can refill it with their own home-baked sweet treats! This little polar bear is all dressed in his red flannel jacket, scarf and hat and is ready for a day of playing in the snow! He is sure to brighten the counter of anyone who receives him - and the faces of anyone who looks inside and finds a sweet treat to enjoy as well! The cookies are soft, chewy and tasty - a sweet delight! This combination is a wonderful gift to enjoy now - and for years to come!

Merry Christmas . . . God is With Us!!!

Emmanuel . . . God is With Us! This is what Christmas is all about! Enjoy this beautiful song from Casting Crowns!

I Have a Winner in My Andi's Circle C Christmas!

I'm happy to announce Sheryl Bidinger Brown is the winner in my Andi's Circle "C" Christmas book give-away! (You will find the review at this link) Thank you Sheryl for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address so I can send it to you) and thank you Kregel for sending one for my review and another for me to give away!

grandma's bookshelf . . . A Dog Is a Dog - I'm Giving One Away!

I shared this book with you last month - and held a drawing to give one away, but the person who won it never sent me their address, so I'm holding a second-chance drawing for this book! I really love A Dog Is a Dog - it made my "Favorite Things" list for this year - because it is sure to leave children and adults guessing and laughing . . . because a dog is a dog, unless it's a . . . 

A Dog Is a Dog 
Author/Illustrator - Stephen Shaksan 
Publisher - Chronicle Kids
Ages - 4-7
Favorite Features -

Christmas Manners from Maralee McKee!

My friend Maralee McKee is the "Manners Mentor" and she always knows what to do show "simple, savvy and sincere" manners in our everyday lives! (Please take a moment to check out her blog the Manners Mentor blog and "like" her on facebook!) So, with Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd share some of Maralee's Manners Tips from her facebook page . . . 

Some of My Favorite Things for Boys!

I have two grandsons - one is nearly four months old and the other is three years old, so things for boys are things I'm interested in! Throughout the year I have the opportunity to review quite a number of things for boys - of all ages - so . . . if you have a grandson, you may find my "favorite things for boys" interesting . . .

grandma's heartbreak:^( - missing children

For the past six weeks I've been sharing info and photos of missing children you with. So far, all of the children I've shared with you are still missing. Please continue to pray for Jhessye Shockley,  Aliayah Lunsford, Sky Metalwala, Madison Jewel Richardson, Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton and  Bianca Jones. Please pray for their families and please keep your eyes open.

Merry Christmas . . . I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day!!!

I have another Christmas video for you . . . this one is from Casting Crowns . . . enjoy!!!

Some "Favorite Things" for Grandma!

Most of my "favorite things" are things I'd give to others - primarily grandchildren, but my "favorite things" today are things for grandma . . . although you could give them to others, too!

Help Your Grandchildren Focus on the Word This Christmas!

As we think about how Christmas and how Jesus, The Word, became flesh and lived among us, it is a wonderful time to involve your grandchildren in an opportunity to work on a project to raise money to bring God's Word to people who do not have it!  There are a number of projects available for you to select from, consider this one from the SeedCompany . . . 

Even More of My "Favorite Things" . . .

Over a year's time I review a lot of books, but there are a few which stand out as my "favorites" . . . 


My Favorite Things - Books -

• When it comes to books for young children, A Dog is a Dog has to be on my list of "favorite things"! I love the simple text which is sure to keep you guessing - and flat out laughing!  A Dog is a Dog is clever, fun and unexpected . . . the ending is a "hoot"! It is not stretching too far - or even stretching at all - to say this book is an absolute delight! I love the illustrations - they are so fun - and I love the story . . . what a creative and engaging story . . . children and adults alike will be guessing which animal comes next! Most certainly get this book for your grandchildren! It is tremendous!

Merry Christmas . . . Emmanuel!!!

There are many amazing Christmas songs available for us to listen to, but this one from Hillsong's new Christmas Album, Born is the King, is very possibly, my favorite song . . . it has incredible melodies and the message . . . "You have come to us, You make all things new!" The only response possible . . . "Holy, Holy! God Almighty! There is none like You! . . . I will bow before my Lord and King!" Enjoy!

More of My Favorite Things . . .

When it comes to toys, there certainly are a lot of them which I've reviewed over the past year! But two of my favorites would definitely include the following . . . 

I Have a Winner in My Hallmark 2011 Grandkids Make Life Sweeter Ornament Give-away!

I'm happy to announce Laurie Caverly Jerry is the winner in my Hallmark 2011 Grandkids Make Life Sweeter Ornament give-away! (You will find my review at this link) Thank you Laurie for reading grandma's cookie jar (Please message me your address by December 16th so I can send it to you) and thank you Hallmark for sending one for me to give away!

Merry Christmas . . . Leaving Heaven!!!

I want to share another of my favorite Christmas song/videos with you - this one is by Matthew West from his new album, the Heart of Christmas . . . Enjoy!

Knex Roary Silver Hatch Garage Building Set . . . I'm Giving One Away!

I've been having great fun for the past two months giving away a few special things - American Girl dolls and Knex Sonic Blizzard Coaster set - so I thought I'd give away one more Knex set! This one is for younger children, ages 3 and up . . . the Knex Roary Silver Hatch Garage Building Set! This set involves your, "children in building the Garage from Silver Hatch Racetrack and build-able gas pumps. A removable hood on Roary®'s car, floor mat, and other accessories provide for realistic and thrilling after-building play. In addition, an included adapter lets car run on popular train track systems you may already own!"

I'm Giving Away Four Cars 2 blu-ray/DVDs . . .

This morning I held the drawing for my Knex Sonic Blizzard Coaster - Terri Conner is the winner - so I thought I'd continue the fun by drawing four additional names and give each of these people one Cars 2 blu-ray DVD . . . these winners are; Jamie Wilson, Eileen Kirk Moran, Melissa Wilson and Donna Morton Coleman! (You will find my review of this movie at this link) Thank you Jamie, Eileen, Melissa and Donna for reading grandma's cookie jar (Please message me your addresses by January 8th so I can send you your blu-ray/dvd) and thank you Disney for sending one for me to review and additional copies for me to give away!