Please Pray for Devin's Family

It is with an extremely heavy heart I have to report little Devin Davis’ body was located today in lake near his home. Thank you for your prayers, please keep Devin’s family and friends in your prayers during their time of grief.  

grandma's chuckles :^) - Super, Snazzy, Mighty Josiah!

Don't you just love it when your grandchildren use their imaginations?!!! Josiah was at our house the other evening watching Kipper on tv. Kipper was pretending to be "Super Dog" by using a blanket to make a cape. I remembered a small blanket I had and went to find it. When I brought it back, Josiah was happy to have a "cape" so he could be a "super-hero"! He told me he was, Super, Snazzy, Mighty Josiah! 


Then he told me there were "monsters" in the kitchen!!!! I asked him what the monsters looked like and he said they had one blue, purple and green eye, pink hands with pink polka-dots, purple legs and feet with yellow polka-dots, yellow tummies and yellow heads with no hair because the bad guys ate their hair!!!! He ran into the kitchen so he could "stomp" those monsters to "save the world and protect the cookies" (there were freshly baked cookies cooling on the counter) after all, why else would there be one-eyed monsters in my kitchen if it wasn't to eat the cookies?!!! This was followed by lots of "snazzy" "stomping" and the ridding of my kitchen of "monsters"!

grandma's favorite things - Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System - okay, this isn't the most inexpensive item on my "favorite things" list, but it is one of my favorites! This machine uses K-cups to brew a perfect cup of coffee, tea or cocoa - one cup at a time. I love the convenience and the variety this allows - if you want a cup of decaf and someone else whats caffeinated, just select the appropriate K-cup and in a minute you have coffee! 


The best thing about this machine is the "My K-cup reusable coffee filter" which allows you to use any coffee you like to make your own "k-cup"!!!! With this feature you are able to have a very affordable cup of coffee! Very easy to use and it makes a truly wonderful cup of coffee! Definitely one of my favorite things!

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today -You're On Your Own . . .

We've been looking at Dr. Seuss quotes for the past month and today is the last one. It has been fun to look at some of the many Dr. Seuss quotes and then to think about them in the light of God's Word. So . . . the final Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "You're on your own. You know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go . . . " Well . . . we do know what we know and we can decide where we will go, but we are not on our own and if we are wise, we will ask God to show us the way we should go! Consider Psalm 25:4,5, "Make your ways known to me, LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth—teach it to me— because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long." I for one am so very glad for the truth of these verses! It would be a very sad - and frightening - world if we had to decide where to go based on the things we know, since we all have limited knowledge. I'm so thankful God loves us so much He gave us His word so we can know His ways and learn His paths! I want to Him to lead me in His truth and am so grateful He saved me! I can put my hope in Him all day long! So, when it comes to deciding where I should go, I'm so glad I can turn to God, know He is with me and trust Him to help me know which path to take!

crafting with grandma . . . April Fool's Day Fun!

Just in case you enjoy a fun April Fool's Day joke . . . and are looking for something fun, I thought I'd share this idea I found on Pinterest! This idea involves making your own "fake" ice cubes! If you follow the link you'll find a step-by-step photo tutorial for making fake ice and complete directions which involve warm water, a "mist" of water and surprised reactions! You could either make this to surprise your grandchildren with an April Fool's Day joke, or have them help you for a surprise for their parents! Who might you make these for? Have fun!

grandma's favorite things - the Grandmother Bell!

I'm very happy to let you know about another of my "favorite things" . . . the grandmother bell necklace! I received a grandmother bell necklace for review from Jewelry John . . . and I absolutely love it! I wear it nearly every day! I love how it is unique, tiny and so very pretty! This little silver bell is designed and etched to reflect grandmothers - it has a pie on the top, names for grandma all around  it and a "wooden" spoon for the clapper - it has such a sweet "ring"! You can get bell necklaces for mother, daughter, grand-daughter, friend and host of other beautiful bells, but I really love the grandmother bell!

I Have a Winner . . .

I'm happy to announce Pat Gallagher is the winner in my give-away of the book, A Perfect Pet for Peyton! (You will find the review at this link) Thank you Pat for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Northfield Publishing for sending one book for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - I'm Sorry to Say So . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is,  "I'm sorry to say so but, sadly it's true - that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you!" This is true. Bang-ups and hang-ups can and will happen to us. Our world is broken by sin and because of this, hurt, pain and disappointment are part of life. We do not, however; have to be defeated by our bang-ups and hang-ups! Consider Joshua 1:9, " I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." We do not have to be alarmed or terrified because the LORD our God is with us wherever we go!!!! Look at Psalm 27:1, " The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?" We don't have to fear our bang-ups or hang-ups because God is our light and salvation and He is with us! Look at I Corinthians 15:56-58, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." God gives us the victory through Jesus so we can be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord because we know our labor is not in vain! So, bring on the bang-ups and hang-ups, God is with us and He gives us the victory!

crafting with grandma - Handprint Easter Lily Brooch!

If you are looking for a special craft you could help your grandchildren make as an Easter gift for their mother . . . take a good look at this craft I found on Pinterest! I love how this "lily" is made from the handprints of children! If you have two grandchildren, you could make it using one handprint from each of them! If you have more than two grandchildren, you could make more than one lily - but however you do it, this is sure to be a craft a mother will cherish . . . you could make an additional one for yourself as grandmothers will cherish it, too! Follow the links and you'll find a photo tutorial for making this "lily" pin - who will you make it for?

I Have a Winner in My Second-Chance Give-Away!

I'm happy to announce Michelle Hubbard is the winner of the Wilton Cushioned Grip Teddy Bear Cookie Cutter in my Second Chance Give-Away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Michelle for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address by April 12th) and thank you Wilton for sending a cookie cutter for me to review and for making another available for me to give away! :^)

grandma's favorite things - fountain pens!

From time to time I will be sharing with you some of my favorite things! So, today I thought I'd share something I particularly enjoy . . . fountain pens! Fountain Pens give you such a classic and stylish way to do an everyday thing . . . write! I love to write with fountain pens and have found over the years Cross makes some of the most amazing fountain pens! I especially love their Sauvage Azurite Blue Crocodile Fountain Pen! This pen is beautiful to look at, it writes reliably, comfortably and makes writing a joy! I have MS and have found inexpensive pens actually make my hand/wrist/arm hurt, but the weight of the Sauvage fountain pen is perfect! I am able to write without strain and pain! If you enjoy writing and would like to treat yourself to a special pen, this is the pen to get!

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Step With Care and Great Tact . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Step with care and great tact. And remember life's a great balancing act!" Life has it's "stages" and "moments" and we need to walk though it with a mind for "balance". Consider Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11,  "There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens: a time for giving birth and a time for dying, a time for planting and a time for uprooting what was planted, a time for killing and a time for healing, a time for tearing down and a time for building up, a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing, a time for throwing stones and a time for gathering stones, a time for embracing and a time for avoiding embraces, a time for searching and a time for losing, a time for keeping and a time for throwing away, a time for tearing and a time for repairing, a time for keeping silent and a time for speaking, a time for loving and a time for hating, a time for war and a time for peace. God has made everything fitting in its time." 

There is a "season" for everything and typically, if we go too far to one "side" or another, we usually end up wishing we had made different decisions. We need to live our lives knowing, "God has made everything fitting in it's time" and then approach our lives with balance! Look at Ephesians 5:15, "So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly." Be careful, live wisely - show balance!

Please Pray For Christin's Family . . .

It is with great sadness and deep regret I have to notify you, Christin Baucom missing from Colony, MO, has been located deceased The Missouri State Highway Patrol has confirmed the body of 6-year-old Christin Baucom was found in a pond Wednesday afternoon. Christin was autistic and wandered away from his home - please keep this family in your prayers - his twin brother drowned near the home last August when he wandered away. I can not even begin to imagine the pain this family is going through. This has not been a good day for missing little boys.

Please Pray for Caleb's Family . . .

It is with great sadness and deep regret I have to notify you that Caleb Linn missing from Hardy, AR, has been located deceased. Searchers found him Wednesday in a river at the Arkansas Boy Scout camp where he disappeared last weekend. Caleb went missing Saturday at the 900-acre Kia Kima Scout Reservation near Hardy, Ark. Searchers in boats and on horseback, foot and four-wheelers scoured the valley for days before finding two shirts he had been wearing in the river on Tuesday afternoon. His body was found less than 24 hours later. Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray for his family.

grandma's cookbook . . . Easy Chocolate Mousse . . . & a Fun Give-Away!

I have a fun give-away of CaliBowls for you and so I thought I'd share a recipe for something delicious which you could put in a bowl . . . and what could be more delicious than chocolate mousse?!!! :^) It can be complicated and a bit tricky to make chocolate mousse, so I found an easy recipe from Betty Crocker . . . I will be making it on Sunday for my family!

Our First Birthday is Almost Here!

We are only a little over a month away from the first birthday/anniversary of grandma's cookie jar! My how this year has flown by! I'll be celebrating all the month of May with some wonderful give-aways . . . just a quick peek back at the last year and some of the give-aways we've had . . . I've given away . . . 

• Three, yes three American Girl Dolls!
• a Knex Roller Coaster building set
• lots of books
• lots of movies
• lots of music
• games
• toys
• a Cuisinart cook and pour pot
• candles
• photo books
• stuffed toys and puppets
• chocolate

And lots more! Plus, in the coming year I'll be giving away additional American Girl Dolls, a Lego Cars 2 building set, books, movies, music, games, a Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Popper, A Girl for All Time Doll and much, much more!

Thank you for reading grandma's cookie jar - please share it with the people you know as our second year will be even better than the first year!

The Dr. Seuss Quote For Today - From There to Here . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere!" This is mostly true! There are funny things most everywhere . . . some are easier to see than others, but there are funny things most everywhere! God created the world and everything in it and some of these things are funny! Consider Colossians 1:16, "Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him." God created all things! He created this earth, the trees, flowers, animals, birds . . . everything. When you look at creation, you are able to see many "funny things" . . . just look at the Kinkajou . . . a small animal found in the Central Americas which kinda looks like a cross between a small bear cub, an otter and a monkey! It can turn it's hind feet backward when walking down a tree! The Komondor dog is funny looking . . . it looks like a walking mop! The Dumbo Octopus is also a pretty funny looking thing . . . it has "ear-like fins protruding from the top of their "heads" (actually bodies), resembling the ears of Walt Disney's flying elephant. They are benthic creatures, living at extreme depths, and are some of the rarest of the Octopoda species" The point is, God did create some pretty funny things and I for one am glad! I like knowing God has a "sense of humor"! Plus, God created people and we can be very funny! I know my grandson is funny! When he was 18 months old he was at my home one day and saw a box of Quaker Oats on the counter. He pointed at the Quaker Oats man on the box and said, "Grandma!!!!" I said, "Hey, wait a minute there! That isn't grandma', it is a man!" He smiled, pointed at it again and said, "Lynda!" Funny little boy!!! :^) There are funny things most everywhere and I for one am glad this is true!

Second-Chance Give-Away . . . Wilton Cookie Cutter!

I give away a lot of things on grandma's cookie jar . . . it is one the things I enjoy the most about writing this blog because I LOVE to give things away! When I have a drawing, I message the winner on facebook and post it on my blog. Winners have two weeks to get back to me with the information I need to send their prize to them. If I do not hear from them in the two weeks, then usually I have a second-chance give-away and draw another name . . . today I am announcing another drawing for the Wilton Cushioned Grip Teddy Bear Cookie Cutter! (You'll find the review at this link) I am giving one away - so if you would like to be in this second-chance drawing - which will be on March 29th - please comment below! Also, please check my posts and keep an eye on your message box on facebook so you'll know if you win any of my give-aways! :^)

crafting with grandma . . . Every Princess Needs a Crown!

I found something so sweet and fun on Pinterest yesterday, well . . . I just have to share it with you! If you have a sweet little girl in your life she is sure to be thrilled to have a "crown" of her own and with this crown pattern, you can make her several in different colors! If I had a granddaughter, she would be getting crowns for sure! If my grandsons ever want to pretend to be a prince, I could make one in boy colors, but I think a granddaughter would have great fun with a crown for sure! It could be a fun surprise to tuck into an Easter basket, too! What do you think? Who would you make a crown for?

The Dr. Seuss Quote For Today - Will You Succeed?

The Dr Seuss Quote for today is, "Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!" Well . . . there are things in life which if we focus ad are persistent, we are likely to succeed, but certainly, most things in life there are not guarantees. 

However; when it comes to knowing and walking with God . . . well, if we follow God's Word, we are 100% guaranteed to succeed because God wants us to know and walk with Him! Consider Jeremiah 29:11-14a, "I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will be present for you, declares the LORD." God wants us to find Him! This is some of the best news we could ever have! God tells us how we can be better than ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed to succeed when it comes to finding Him . . . we need to call on Him, talk with Him, search for Him with all of our heart and then we will find Him because God says He will listen to us and be present for us! This is a promise and guarantee I can cling to! 

Thank You For Your Votes!

My other blog, About the Children's Department, made it into the Sweet 16 of the Ministry-to-Children 2012 Kidmin Blog Madness Tournament . . . thank you so much for your votes! We did not make it into the Final Four, but I sincerely appreciate all your votes in the first and second round. Thank you! Congrats to the Final Four . . . I'm voting for Jason Martin, but good luck to all four!

crafting with grandma . . . Easter Bunnies!

As I recently browsed on Pinterest, I found an adorable pattern for making bunnies from children's socks . . . so of course I had to share it with you! This fun pattern is so simple . . . it would be fun for your grandchildren to make and then give them to friends or to shut-ins to brighten their day as Spring arrives! All you have to do is cut, tie and glue and voila . . . you'll have an entire batch of bunnies to share with your grandchildren or with others to brighten their day! Check the links for complete directions, then either take a look in your sock drawer for those poor socks which have "lost" their match or head to the dollar store to buy some inexpensive socks and make your bunnies! Can't you just imagine them "peeking" out of your grandchildren's Easter baskets this year? Enjoy!

The Dr. Seuss Quote For Today - Today I Shall Behave . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered!" I really like this one! It is a challenge to all of us. So, how do we do this? Consider Matthew 7:12, "Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you" 

If we treated others the way we want them to treat us, chances are we would treat others nicely. Of course it is possible you might treat others nicely and then they do not respond in kind, but we are only responsible for how we treat others . . . not how they treat us in return. 

If we are kind to others, then we will be remembered as people who were kind . . . and who wouldn't like to be remembered in this way? Look at Micah 6:8, "He has told you, what is good and what the LORD requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God." God wants us to be just, to love others with a faithful love and walk humbly with Him! If we do these things each day, then the day we are remembered for will be a day we want to be remembered for!

Easter Count Down Fun!

I was browsing on Pinterest and found a fun craft for you . . . one which you will certainly be able to delight your grandchildren with!!! This idea is for an Easter Count Down and just needs an egg carton, a dozen plastic eggs and some fun!


All you do is number each egg, from one to twelve and then fill each egg with something fun . . . could be a piece of candy or better yet, a piece of paper with a fun activity on it . . . such as; dye Easter eggs, make egg-shaped sugar cookies, read about the resurrection of Jesus, have an Easter egg hunt, watch an Easter movie, send an Easter card to someone you love, color an Easter picture, make an Easter craft, sing a song about Jesus . . . or ideas you come up with yourself! You could do a mix of candy in some eggs and ideas in others . . . whatever you like! Make your Easter Countdowns - one per family or one per grandchild, give them to them to take home and be sure to ask them about the things they do the next time you see them! Have fun!

The Dr. Seuss Quote For Today - All Alone . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you'll be quite a lot!" Actually, it was supposed to be, "Teeth are always in style!", but I thought I'd change it today. While we may be physically alone at times in our lives, the wonderful truth is we are never alone! Jesus promised to be with us always - just look at Matthew 28:20b, "Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age." Jesus said He will be with us every day! What a comfort this is! Look at Isaiah 41:10, "Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand." Not only will God be with us always, but He will strengthen us and help us and hold on to us! We most certainly do not have to be afraid . . . even if we are physically alone! This is something we all need to be reminded of!

crafting with grandma . . . Crocheted Headbands!

My daughter is going on a mission trip so I'm making crocheted headbands for her to sell at a fundraiser for her trip. I found the pattern on Pinterest and thought I'd share it with you! Check the pattern for Hairpin Lace Crocheted Headbands . . . you might like to make some in bright spring colors for the little girls in your life! :^) (I'll post photos later of how they turn out!)

I'm Giving Away, The 5 Love Languages of Children . . . on My Other Blog!

Yesterday I shared the review of the book  A Perfect Pet for Peyton  - and let you know I'll be giving one away on March 30th. Today I want to let you know about another book I reviewed on my other blog, About the Children's Department.  The 5 Love Languages of Children explains what the 5 Love Languages are and helps parents - and grandparents - better understand how to tell which ones are a child's primary love languages. This book is a MUST-read for all grandparents and parents, and I'm giving one away on About the Children's Department! Check the review out, by following the link and find out about, the 5 Love Languages of Children! 

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - How Did It Get So Late So Soon?

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" Actually, it was supposed to be, "It's opener, out there, in the wide, open air!", but I thought I'd change it today. Time does fly. I was just marveling the other day how my grandson will be four years old this year! Talk about time flying! It matters what we do today because it does, "get so late so soon." Ephesians 5:15-20 tells us, "So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. Don’t get drunk on wine, which produces depravity. Instead be filled with the Spirit in the following ways: speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” We need to live our lives wisely and one way we can do this is by encouraging others, praising God and living a life which is thankful for everything! When we live our lives in this way, while time will still "fly", we will have the peace of knowing our lives were lived wisely! 

grandma's bookshelf - A Perfect Pet for Peyton

You may have heard of the 5 Love Languages books by Dr. Gary Chapman; this book tries to show children what these five languages are and how to tell the ways they best give and receive love.


A Perfect Pet for Peyton   
Authors - Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman
Illustrator - Wilson Williams Jr.
Publisher - Northfield Publishing
Ages - 4-7

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Oh the Things You Can Find . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Oh the things you can find if you don't stay behind!" While there could be things you will find if you don't stay behind, I think there are far more amazing things you will find if you follow Jesus! John 8:12 tells us, "Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'” And look at John 8:31, 32; "Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we follow Jesus we won't walk in darkness and we will be free because we know the truth! What could be better than this?!!

crafting with grandma - Easter Paper Dolls!

As I've mentioned before, I loved paper dolls when I was little . . . the other day when I was browsing on Pinterest I found Easter Paper Dolls from 1981, 1984 and 1995, so I thought I'd share them with you today! If you have a granddaughter, consider printing these on a nice cardstock for the dolls and a sturdy paper for the clothes . . . then enjoy cutting them out and playing with them with your sweet little granddaughters! (They could also make a fun and special thing to add to a basket for your granddaughter!)

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!" There are things which are true about this saying, but there are also things which are not true. First the things which are true . . . if someone really loves you, they will love you no matter what you say because of who you are . . . a person who they love! Now for the things which are not true . . . you might, on occasion, say things which people who matter to you get upset about. This can be a painful thing to have happen, but it can, and does happen from time to time.

Now for a few things to keep in mind. First, you should say what you mean. Being honest is something which has to be a high priority for each of us. However; this doesn't mean you can't be thoughtful and considerate about what you say and how you say it. Colossians 4:6 says, "Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person." We do need to always use gracious and insightful words. Ephesians 4:1-3, 25, 26,29-32 tells us, "Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ." Be sure to tell the truth, always, but do so with gentleness, patience, love in a kind and compassionate way . . . always remembering to forgive! In this day and age, people tend to think it is okay to say whatever they want, however they want to say it and if you are someone who "matters", then it won't "matter" to you how/what they say. While we need to love others regardless of what they say and how they say it, we do need to show grace and love with the words we use!

grandma's cookbook. . . Homemade PB Eggs!

Okay, I admit it, I LOVE Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and when they are available as "eggs" for Easter . . . well, what isn't there to absolutely enjoy?!!! :^)  So, when I found a recipe on Pinterest to make them myself, I had to share it with you! I plan to make these tonight with Josiah, so I'll let you know how they turn out, but I fully anticipate they will be beyond enjoyable!

grandma's cookbook . . . Caramel Corn!

As you know, I'm giving away one Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Popper (check this link for all the details) and so I thought it would be fun to share a special popcorn recipe with you today! From time to time homemade caramel corn makes a delicious treat to share with your family  . . . add a movie and you have the makings for a wonderful evening with those you love! Try this recipe (I found it on allrecipes.com) -

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Be Awesome . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Be awesome! Be a book nut!" I'm all for reading so I like this quote! Begin reading to your grandchildren when they are young and continue to read to them, and encourage them to read, as they get older. Find books which introduce your grandchildren to something new and which connect with interests they already have. For example, Josiah loves cars, tools and building, so any books I can find which connect with these things are books which he is sure to enjoy! As he grows older I will continue to look for books which capture his attention because I want him to be a person who wants to read - I want him to be a "book nut"! If you find your grandchildren struggle with reading, finding books which tie in with an interest they have is a good way to get them interested in reading. Thankfully these days there are many resources available for us to utilize to help our grandchildren learn, from books and computer programs to tutoring services, such as StudyPoint. Discover what your grandchildren's interests are and then find books which encourage them to become a "book nut"!


Be sure you are a "book nut", too! Read books to help you grow in your walk with God and be a person who continues to learn. Of course, the Bible is absolutely a book you should be a "nut" about, too! II Timothy 2:15 tells us, "Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly." We need to spend time in God's Word so we are able to understand and interpret it correctly . . . what could be more "awesome"? God's Word is unlike any other book . . . Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Reading the Bible helps us understand how God wants us to live . . . it is essential for us to be a "book nut" about the Bible if we are going to know and walk with God!

grandma's movie reviews . . . the Muppets . . .

I had the opportunity to review the new movie, The Muppets and so I'll share a few thoughts with you . . . 

Three Fun Books . . .

March is National Reading Month, so I thought I'd review three fun books for your younger grandchildren today! 


Bizzy Bear: Let's Get to Work!   

Author/Illustrator - Benji Davies
Publisher - Candlewick Press
Ages - 1-3


Favorite Features -

• sturdy board book with fun sliders and tabs to push and pull
• colorful, fun illustrations
• simple, short story

Little ones will love this book! Not only does it have a nice story about working hard, but it has parts to move and things to do . . . have them count the trucks, the helpers and waver to Bizzy Bear at the end! This is a great book for little ones to help them see books as something they enjoy! Love this book and hope to see more Bizzy Bear books in the future!

I Have a Winner . . .

I'm happy to announce Christie Lasch is the winner in my Red & Yellow's Noisy Night book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Christie for reading grandma's cookie jar (please message me your address so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Sterling Children's Books for sending one copy for me to review and for making another available for me to give away! (If you are reading this blog, please take a moment to follow this link and vote for my other blog, About the Children's Department, in the Ministry-to-Children 2012 Kidmin Blog Madness Tournament! We made the "Sweet 16", please help us get to the final four! Thank you!)

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - "Only You Can Control Your Future!"

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Only you can control your future!" Well . . . we do have some "say" over our future, as we can decide if we are going to move forward on something or not, but we do not have "control" over our futures. There is very little in life which we can actually "control", but the good news is God has a plan for our future! This is incredibly good news . . . look at Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope." We can not "control" today or tomorrow, but this does not need to cause us to be afraid or to worry, because God has a plan for our future! I'd rather know God has a plan for my future - one which fills it with hope - than to try and "control" even a moment of my future! My "job" is to discover God's plan and then choose to follow it!

I'm Giving Away One Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Popper!

As I announced last week, I'm giving away one Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Popper on May 1st! This popcorn popper pops up a bowlful of fluffy popcorn in about three minutes! I LOVE the beautiful red color of the popper and how it works so quickly! My grandson just loves how he can ask grandma for popcorn and have a big bowl of it in just a couple minutes! :^)


Yesterday he asked to watch Horton Hears a Who and of course, have a bowl of popcorn . . . so of course I said "yes!" He will always remember having popcorn at poppa and grandma's when he watched a movie! These kind of memories are something I want to give him . . . memories of great times at poppa and grandma's house! What do you do to build these kind of memories with your grandchildren?

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - I Meant What I Said . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "I meant what I said and I said what I meant!" The Bible does talk about this . . . look at Matthew 5:37 from the NIV, "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." and from the CEV, "When you make a promise, say only 'Yes' or 'No.' Anything else comes from the devil." It is pretty simple . . . say and do what you mean and mean what you say and do! It is about being faithful! Jesus is our perfect example of Someone who is completely faithful! He said and did what He meant and meant what He said and did. Many of the difficulties we find ourselves in could be avoided if we said and did what we mean and mean what we said and did. This is also so very true when working with children, we need to say and do what we mean and mean what we say and do!

Fun & Tasty Resurrection Sunday Craft & Snack!

If you are looking for a simple, fun and tasty Resurrection Sunday craft and snack . . . look no further! I found a wonderful idea on Pinterest I'm happy to share with you! Plus, as they make their empty "tomb", you can share with them the incredible account of Jesus' resurrection and how it shows God's amazing love for us!


All you need are chocolate donuts . . . kids are already going to love this activity! . . . graham crackers, Oreo cookies . . . kids are really going to love this activity! . . . peanut butter or frosting and green coconut - color it by adding a little green food coloring. Follow the directions on the link above and enjoy this craft/snack with your grandchildren! (Be sure to lead them in praising God for the empty tomb!) :^)

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today is - A Person's a Person . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "A person's a person no matter how small!" This is one of my all-time favorite Dr. Seuss quotes! It is absolutely true! A person is a person no matter how small, large, tall, short, skinny, fat . . . no matter how they are, a person is a person! Psalm 139:13-16 tells us, "You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body,  and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do." God's Word tells us God put us together inside our mother's bodies! he saw each part of our bodies as they were being formed! Even more amazing than this, God already knew everything we would do in our lives before we were even born! We may have been small, but God saw us as people who had lives to live and things to do! As David said, "Everything God does is marvelous!"