I'm Giving Away a Grandma Bell Necklace Charm Tomorrow!

Yes, tomorrow is the day my month of Special Christmas Give-Aways begins . . . with the drawing for one Grandma Bell Necklace charm! (You will find my review at this link.) "This piece of handmade jewelry is dedicated to grandmothers everywhere. With words like 'Granny' and 'Memaw' decorating the sides, this sterling silver bell was inspired by those who inspired us. 'Grandmother, Granny, Nana or Memaw - no matter what you call yours, this bell will remind you of her, and of all the special times at her house. Very likely here is where you heard your first Bible stories. You can almost smell the apple pie on top, or see her stirring something yummy with her wooden spoon, represented by the clapper."

The Grandma Bell Necklace is from Jewelry John and I encourage you to take a few moments to visit their site. You will find beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry . . . something for any woman - or girl - on your gift list! You'll find mother bells, daughter bells, I love the bird house and turtle bells and the Autism bell is beautiful! If you are looking for a meaningful and unique gift for someone special this Christmas, definitely check out Jewelry John!

grandma's Christmas give-away - Where is Sock Monkey Game!

My grandson LOVES to play hide-and-seek! When he is the "finder" he likes to tell us where to hide - of course this means he can find us right away! When he is the "hider" he answers when we say things like, "Oh where, oh where could Josiah be? Is he under the table?" He says, "No! I'm in the rocket!" As you can see, he is very easy to find! I think with him, it is just the playing which matter; the being "found" part is the fun part!

So, when I had the opportunity to review the Where is Sock Monkey? game, well, I knew Josiah would love it!

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest - Snicker Chocolate Chip Cookies by Jackie!

Just a quick reminder . . . today is the LAST day to get your recipe to me if you want to be in my Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest! I have great prizes in the prize package for the winner, (including a photo cookie jar which you can have made with your own photos!) so take a moment to email me your favorite Christmas cookie recipe - it doesn't have to be an original recipe, just your favorite! (lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com)

I'm very happy to share the third recipe in my Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest with you . . . Snicker Chocolate Chip Cookies - sent to me by Jackie Wieda! Jackie said, "I have to make a batch of these every year because my husband just loves them!" This recipe looks like it would be very simple to make - I would guess you could also make it with your own favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies! Bake up a batch to surprise and delight your family today! Thank you Jackie for sharing it with us! (Voting will begin on Friday - November 2, 2012)

grandma's Christmas give-away - Novi Stars Doll - Una Verse!

There are so many different dolls - some fairly traditional, others more on the "unique" side of it all . . . Novi Stars Una Verse is certainly on the "unique" side of it all when it comes to dolls! This doll has a body filled with floating glitter in water, white hair with blue streaks, spiral antennas and the package handle becomes antenna headband for a little girl to wear! Did I mention Una Verse is "unique"?

Photo Cookie Jar . . . Another Prize in grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest!

I LOVE photos of my grandsons . . . I'm a grandma. I suppose this is a "given"! When I'm able to have photos of them on items, well, what could be better?!!! So, when I had the opportunity to order and review a photo cookie jar from Photo Gift Town . . . well, my "grandma heart" could not be happier!!!

I chose three photos of my sweet grandsons . . . this was absolutely the most difficult part of the process!!! How could I choose just three photos???? I managed to choose three and then waited for about a week until a box arrived at my house with my photo cookie jar inside!!!! Hooray!!!! I love cookie jars, but my photo cookie jar - well, it is absolutely my favorite!

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest - Seven Layer Rainbow Cookies by Katie

I'm very happy to share the second recipe in my Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest with you . . . Seven Layer Rainbow Cookies - sent to me by Katie Yaniak! Katie said, "I always look forward to the holiday baking season for months beforehand: dreaming, searching, plotting, and listing which ones we will make.  And we always end up making what is probably too many (can it really be too many if they are all eaten and enjoyed? Surely not.)  There are several which are among our favorites, but one I am sure to make every year is my Seven Layer Rainbow Cookies." This recipe looks like it would be a tasty treat to enjoy on Christmas - or any time! Bake up a batch to surprise and delight your family today! Thank you Katie for sharing it with us! (Voting will begin on Friday - November 2, 2012)

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest - Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Biscotti - by Rachel

I'm very happy to share the first recipe in my Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest with you . . . Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Biscotti - sent to me by Rachel! This recipe looks like it would be a tasty treat to enjoy on Christmas morning! Bake up a batch to surprise and delight your family today! Thank you Rachel for sharing it with us! (Voting will begin on Friday - November 2, 2012)

I'm Giving Away Amelia - Another Girl For All Time Doll!

September 1st I gave away Matilda, the first in a series of beautiful, heirloom-quality dolls from A Girl for All Times. I'm thrilled to announce another give-away . . . this time for their new doll, Amelia!  A Girl for All Times says this about Amelia, she is a "deluxe doll comes dressed in a historically inspired Victorian school dress of blue cotton, with striped collar and cuffs, ruffled pantalets and undershirt. Sturdy school boots and a straw boater hat complete the outfit."

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest - Round One!

Get ready to fire up your ovens and gather your supplies because Monday through Thursday I'll be sharing the first four recipes which have been shared by some of you for my Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest! Each day I'll share another recipe and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday you will be able to vote for the recipe which you like the best - it will move on to the finals at the end of all the preliminary voting!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Darlene Ysaguirre is the winner in my Pirate in Training book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Darlene for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by November 4, 2012 so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Zonderkidz for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest!

So far I have eight cookie recipes for my cookie recipe contest! You have until the end of this month to get your recipe to me if you want to be in the contest! Starting tomorrow, I'll begin posting recipes - four a week and then you can vote for the one you like the best. The following week we'll do the  ame thing. If we get more recipes, we'll have another week of recipes and voting. Then, the winners from each week of recipes will be shared again for one more vote! I'm working on a prize package - so far it includes the big book of cookies and a cushioned cookie cutter from Wilton! It will have a couple additional items, too! So, if you haven't entered your favorite Christmas cookie recipe yet, please email it to me - lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com

grandma's chuckles - God Can't Get to Heaven in a Rocket!

Don't you just love a child's view of God?!!! They have the most profound questions! Josiah and I were talking before bed last night and I told him how God loved him sooo much He even had Josiah's name written on His hand! Josiah said, "My name is Josiah Lee Freeman. This is a big name, but God's hand is big! His hand is big enough for my name!" The smile of delight on his face made my heart so happy!

Scan 2 Go Circle Race Track - I'm Giving One Away!

My grandsons both LOVE cars . . . Josiah is four years old and Caleb is one, but they both have a deep and abiding love for all things related to cars! So, when we brought out the new Scan 2 Go Circle Race Track, well, if I was to say they were "interested", it would be a complete understatement!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Pam Sheers Ferrell is the winner in my Shutterfly give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Pam for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your email so I can get your prize to you) and thank you Shutterfly for making this review and give-away possible!

Shutterfly Give-Away and My Special Month of Christmas Give-Aways!

If you have been reading grandma's cookie jar for very long, you likely have noticed I LOVE to give things away! I give things away every month, but twice a year I plan for special give-aways . . . and quite a few of them! The month of May is grandma's cookie jar's birthday month, so I have special give-aways all month long! The month of November I have my Special Christmas Give-Aways - what could possibly be a better time of year to have special give-aways? :-)

I'm Giving Away One Little Tikes Big Adventures Action Fliers!

Yes, in just a couple weeks I'm giving away one Little Tikes Big Adventures Action Fliers! You will find my full review at this link. This set is a fun combination of fliers, a helicopter, truck and track for them to all run on! Great fun for preschool-age boys, for sure!

crafting with grandma - Cute 2x4 Pumpkins!

As I browsed on Pinterest the other day I saw a very cute, easy and inexpensive Fall craft - wood pumpkins! These look so fun and like an item children could make - as long as the cutting is completed before so all the parts are ready for them to complete. If you are participating in any Fall craft sales, these little pumpkins are sure to be a big hit!

Just follow the link for complete directions and get ready to make a patch full of pumpkins of your own!

crafting with grandma - Give Thanks Board!

Okay - I absolutely LOVE this craft idea! For far too many people, Thanksgiving has become the day where we eat a lot of turkey and pumpkin pie and then get ready to go shopping for Christmas! We don't really think about being thankful . . . we just think about the food and the shopping . . . and in some cases - the football. But Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and notice all the ways - big and small - which God has blessed us and to be intentional about being thankful! So, when I was browsing on Pinterest and saw the idea for a "Give Thanks Board", I had to share it with you!

grandma's cookie jar - Pumpkin Pie Bites!

One of my favorite parts of Fall is pumpkin pie! I really love pumpkin pie . . . not only is it sooo tasty, but it is sooo good for you, too, or at least the pumpkin is! So, when I was browsing on Pinterest and saw Pumpkin Pie Bites, well, I had to share the recipe with you!

Just follow the link for complete and easy to follow directions - and photos to show you how to do each step! These would be great fun to make with grandchildren . . . and if you do not have mini muffin tins, use regular muffin tins to make bigger mini-pumpkin pies . . . just make the dough a size to fit . . . you could add a "stem" and adjust baking times!

Photo Cards from Shutterfly - and a Great Give-Away!

Do you enjoy taking photos of your grandchildren/children throughout the year? If you are anything like me, I know you do! :-) Do you like to order Photo Christmas Cards photo Christmas cards . . . or, if you never have before, have you thought about it for this year? Well, if you are thinking about ordering photo cards, take a look at all the great options available from Shutterfly!

Shutterfly gave me the opportunity to have them sponsor a post - they say, "We’ve got a wonderful new collection this year from traditional colors and embellishments to merry and bright colors which take on a modern feel.  We also feature religious/scripture based cards (including Hanukkah) and cards you can showcase your fur babies photos on.  Whatever your style is we’re sure to have something you’ll love."

Wall Coasters . . . I'm Giving One Away!

If you are looking for a toy which is not only incredible fun, but one which is an educational toy children will actually play with for hours at a time, then definitely take a good look at Wall Coasters! My grandson, Josiah, loves this toy! Since his little brother, Caleb, is too little for Wall Coasters - Caleb is one and Wall Coasters has marbles in it - Josiah gets to play with this when Caleb goes to bed! It is a special thing which he and Poppa enjoy together for some, "Josiah and Poppa time!" I love watching how he is able to think and design the "tracks" for his Wall Coaster - his "mechanical" mind really loves the designing part of this toy!

Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Park - I'm Giving One Away

I've been reminding you of some of my give-aways for my November of Special Christmas Give-aways so today, I'm reminding you about the Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Park which I'm giving away! You'll find my full review at this link - if you have a young granddaughter or daughter  - or just know a little girl who loves Lalaloopsy, she would likely be delighted to find this under the Christmas tree this year! 

Grandma Bell Give-Away!

On November 1, 2012 I'm kicking off my month of special Christmas give-aways with the give away of the Grandma Bell charm from Jewelry John! This unique and lovely silver bell is one grandmas everywhere are sure to love with it's "spoon" clapper, pie on top, cut-out heart and names for grandma all over it!

grandma's bookshelf - The Sparkle Box!

For children, gifts are one of the parts of Christmas they look forward to the most! So how do we refocus our grandchildren's/children's attention on giving at Christmas? The Sparkle Box is a new book which could be a tool to help you do exactly this!

Christmas Gift Idea - Perplexus Rookie - I'm Giving One Away!

Have you heard of Perplexus? Well, it is a 3-D labyrinth which challenges you to flip, shift and twist a transparent ball filled with colorful barriers, tracks, steps, and more as you try to move a small ball through these barriers. This unique game - maze - puzzle - toy - began with one design - Perplexus, then they added an easier version, the Rookie . . . and a significantly more challenging version - the Epic.  I'm happy today for the opportunity to share the Perplexus Rookie with you!

grandma's book review - VeggieTales Pirate in Training - I'm Giving One Away!

Children will enjoy this new Veggie-story with the return of the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything and Junior! In this fun story Junior wants to be a pirate so he doesn't have to go to school anymore - after-all, pirates don't do anything so why would they need to go to school? But when the pirates start to tell Junior all the things they need school for . . . math, reading and geography . . . Junior learns he needs school for a lot of reasons . . . and to help him be and do, "anything God wants him to be!"

3D Lighthouse Puzzle . . . I'm Giving One Away!

Do you have a family member who loves puzzles? Or one who loves lighthouses? Or possibly one who loves to build? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then take a look at the Ravensburger 3D Lighthouse Puzzle . . . it could be a great gift for them!

This Lighthouse puzzle is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill puzzle . . . it is a 3D puzzle which, when completed, stands 13 and a half inches tall! They say, "Construct a fascinating landmark with uniquely curved, hinged and flat interlocking puzzle p ieces! The precision of each individual plastic piece ensures amazing stability without any glue required. Accessory pieces give your structure the final touches for a beautiful display!"

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 65 days away . . . and my give-away of the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection is only 13 days away! Veggies says, "We think VeggieTales: The Ultimate Christmas Collection will help families celebrate the season and get into the holiday spirit as they watch shows which teach lessons on the true meaning of Christmas, joyful giving, being content and how to love and forgive."

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Barbara Ackley-Spalding is the winner in my Secret of the Wings (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Barbara for reading grandma's cookie jar (Please message me your address by October 26, 2012 so I can send it to you) and thank you Disney for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 66 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with your grandchildren to help them understand what is most important about Christmas, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of the Toy that Saved Christmas!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at The Toy that Saved Christmas!

crafting with grandma - My Favorite Non-Snow Snowperson!

Christmas is only 67 days away . . . can you believe it?!!! If you are looking for a cute, fun, and simple craft you could make to give as gifts, take a look at my little non-snowperson . . . I've given this to lots of people over the years and it has always been a favorite  . . . to give and to receive! 

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Heather Whowho is the winner in my The Great Mouse Detective movie give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Heather for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by October 25, 2012 so I can send it to you) and thank you Disney for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 67 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with your grandchildren to help them understand what the real message of Christmas is, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of the Star of Christmas!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at The Star of Christmas!

Christmas Cookie Contest and Baby Polar Bear Shortbread Cookies

I've been posting about my next "grandma's contest"; a Christmas Cookie recipe contest . . . but so far, nobody has emailed their recipes to me. I have some wonderful prizes planned for the gift package which the winner will receive . . . please take a moment to send me your favorite Christmas cookie recipe! (lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com)

So, I thought I'd share another recipe from the Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cookies cookbook . . . which will be one of the prizes! When my grandsons were over last weekend, Josiah looked through the cookie cookbook . . . each recipe has a full-color photo, so, as you might imagine, it is great fun for a four year old to look through . . . and for this 51 year old, too! :-)

He wanted to make the Baby Polar Bear Shortbread Cookies, but I needed to get a couple of the ingredients, so I told him I'd get them and we could make them next weekend . . . we ended up making Spritz cookies instead, which he and his brother Caleb, really enjoyed . . . snatching the dough, eating the cookies, etc!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Terri Conner is the winner in my Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cookies cookbook give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Terri for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by October 24, 2012 so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Wiley for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 69 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with your grandchildren to help them understand who "Santa" really was, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving! 

This Veggie story covers timely issues with care, such as families losing their jobs and being in need of other's "joyful giving". It has a strong messages about the true meaning of Christmas, the true story of Saint Nicholas and how children - and families - can "give this Christmas away" by helping those in need! 

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Nichole Sweeting is the winner in my Journal of Discovery book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Nichole for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by October 23, 2012 so I can send it to you) and thank you Silver Dolphin for sending one for me to review and for making an additional copy available for me to give away!

I'm Giving Away an American Girl Doll - Caroline Abbott!

Yes, just in case you missed it - or forgot :-) - in just a month and a half, on November 30, 2012 I'm giving away one of the new  American Girl Dolls, Caroline Abbott! This doll is truly lovely! Caroline has long, blond curls, light-blue eyes and is dressed in a pretty pink dress with tucks and ribbon . . . American Girl has absolutely paid attention to the details and design of Caroline and not only will she certainly be a loved "friend" to whatever girl receives her, but she is a doll of "heirloom quality" and after she is tucked away, she will one day most surely delight a daughter or granddaughter in the years to come!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 70 days away . . . have you made up your Christmas gift list yet? If you are looking for something which you could surprise your grandchildren with as an early Christmas gift, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it will help them think through and celebrate what Christmas is all about!

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today I'm delighted for the opportunity to share with you the Little Drummer Boy! Veggies took the classic story of the Little Drummer Boy and added their "Veggie touch" with songs, fun and most importantly, a much-needed lesson we all need to hear!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 71 days away . . . it will be here before we know it . . . at least if you are an adult! If you are a child, I'm sure you'll think it will never arrive! 

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" They say, "Plug in the tree, light the fire and get ready for the VeggieTales Christmas extravangaza!! Join Bob, Larry and the entire VeggieTales gang for a very Veggie Christmas marathon." This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection! With this collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

crafting with grandma - Lightbulb Snowman!

Okay, I really do love non-snow snowpeople, but this one has to be one of the cutest I've ever seen! Plus, it gives you something so adorable to do with all those "old-fashioned" lightbulbs you have! I found this pattern on Pinterest and thought it would be a great one to share with all of you! if you are looking for a craft idea which you could make and give as gifts . . . well, look no further because this snowperson is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who receives it!

I Have Two Winners!

I'm happy to announce Susan Smoaks and Jim Coyne are the winners in my Manners that Matter for Moms book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Susan and Jim for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your addresses by October 20, 2012 so I can send them to you) and thank you Maralee and Harvest House for making these books available for me to read and give away!

grandma's movie review - Secret of the Wings - I'm Giving One Away!

 When I was little, Tinker Bell was a character in Peter Pan and of course she was known for flying over the Cinderella castle in the opening of the Wonderful World of Disney. Today, she has movies all her own which little girls enjoy! In fact, Tinker Bell has become one of the favorite Disney characters of little girls everywhere! She is curious, inquisitive and sure to get into trouble . . . but in the end, she helps little girls learn a lesson or two! This is the case in the new Tinker Bell movie, Secret of the Wings.

grandma's movie review - the Great Mouse Detective - I'm Giving One Away

We all have favorite Disney movies . . . and they are our favorites for different reasons; we may really love the story, or the characters or the message, or - just because! One of my favorite Disney movies is the Great Mouse Detective! Why, you ask? Because I really love the story and the characters . . . it does, after-all  have a basset hound in it and I LOVE basset hounds . . . and the message is wonderful!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Gennie Lancaster is the winner in my Cinderella blu-ray/dvd give-away! (You'll find my review at this link) Thank you Gennie for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by October 18, 2012 so I can send it to you) and thank you Disney for sending one for me to review and another for me to give away!