grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - this grandma's promise

For 2014, 2015 and for all time, this promise is absolutely my promise . . . 

I may not be able to take my sweet grandsons to fancy places. I may not be able to buy these dear boys the newest, coolest and most awesome toys and gadgets. I may not be able to give them every thing they may want, but I absolutely will be sure the words I say fill their hearts with joy and remind them how ever so much they are loved!  

I will always put aside my computer and make room in my lap for sweet boys to snuggle (after all, a grandma's lap is not a place for a computer; it is a place for a grandson)! I will always greet these three gifts from the hand of God with a smile on my face, in my eyes and filling my heart! I will be certain to be generous with the words, "I love you; forever and for always!" and most importantly; I will be absolutely certain these three boys who fill my heart with love and make it so very happy, know as much as their grandma loves them . . . and it is a whole lot; God loves them even more!

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - "I'm NOT Cute! Cute is for Little Boys and I'm Big!"

Since tomorrow is the start of 2015, today is my last day to share some of my favorite posts from 2014 . . . 

My grandson Caleb just turned three and he was at my house the other day with hisbrothers Josiah (almost six years old and Shane, just turned one). Caleb was playing with Shane when he stopped and hugged Shane. Then he turned to me and said, "Shane is so cute!" I laughed, agreed with him, and told Caleb he was cute, too! 

Caleb stood up, got a very serious look on his face and said, "I am NOT cute! Cute is for little boys and I'm BIG!!!" Of course he does not realize just how cute this makes him, but as we talked about this, he decided he could be, "snazzy" instead!

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - He Loves Them Even More Than I Do!

While many of my favorite posts make me smile - or even laugh out loud as I remember and think about my sweet grandsons; I also have posts which are my favorite which express what is in my heart . . . such as the post for today . . . 

When I look at this world I wonder, and even feel afraid, about what it is going to be like for my grandsons to grow up. When I was a child pretty much everyone went to church. Family values actually meant something and there was still a sense of, "right and wrong" in the world. The world seemed like a more peaceful place; even with the Vietnam war.  

While it is certainly possible I was just sheltered and not really aware of what was really going on in the world around me, it still was not like it is today. We didn't have terrorists killing and threatening to kill. We didn't have such hostility to faith and values. We didn't have such open flaunting of sin. 

But, the world is what it is today and it is where my grandsons are growing up. I don't want to face this world with fear, so I find 2 Timothy 1:7 to be a great encouragement . . . 

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - "NO!!! NOT Dear Jesus!!!"

With only two more days left in 2014, I'm very happy to share with you another of my favorite posts from 2014 . . . 

The other day the boys spent the night at our house. When it was bedtime, Caleb washaving a serious case of the, "wiggles", so, I started to pray; "Dear Jesus," When Caleb heard me, he said, "NO!!! NOT Dear Jesus!!!" I continued and said, "Please help Caleb go to sleep." Caleb said, "NO! Do NOT help me go to sleep!" I said, "Please help Caleb's wiggly toes rest and go to sleep." Caleb said, "No! Do NOT help my wiggly toes rest and go to sleep!" At this point it was all I could do to not bust up laughing!!!

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - grandma's chuckles . . . Apparently I'm, "So Easy to Operate"!!!

And, here is another of my favorite posts from 2014 for today . . . 

My grandson Josiah is five years old and is turning into quite the reader! He is really quite effective at sounding out words and is finding great joy at being able to sit down with a book and read what all those words have to say! 

This of course, makes me a happy grandma as I want my grandsons to love reading! It also gives me some unexpected opportunities to see how my grandson thinks . . . and a few good laughs as well! 

A couple days ago we were at the store with Josiah and saw a plaque with an "interesting" saying on it. I held it up for Josiah to read . . . which he did. The plaque said, "Grandparents; so easy to operate even a child can do it!" Josiah read it and then said, "This is true! At least for grandma, that is! All I have to do to get what I want from grandma, is to look cute and be polite!"

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - Truths about Grandparents . . .

Today I'm happy to share another of my favorite posts from 2014 . . . 

This morning I was thinking about being a grandma and what an amazing blessing it is! I looked up a few quotes about grandmas/grandparents and thought I'd share some with you . . .

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 - Once Upon a Time . . .

Today I'm happy to share with you another of my favorite posts from 2014 . . . 

I love to read books to to my grandsons . . . it seems to be one of the "grandma requirements", but as much as I enjoy reading books to them, I really love making up stories . . . and am so happy to see Caleb is following in his brother's footsteps and is truly enjoying our times when we make up stories! I love being able to see how their imaginations are growing and of course the "storytelling" of young boys brings at least a few laughs! 

grandma's favorite posts from 2014 . . . Caleb the Destroyer!

2014 has been a wonderful year - filled with joy, challenges, too, but definitely much joy! So, as 2014 ends, I thought it would be fun to share with you once again, some of my favorite posts; posts which brought a smile to my face! So, today, I'm beginning with, "Caleb the Destroyer"!

My grandsons, Josiah and Caleb, spent several days and nights at my house over Christmas break; we had such a wonderful time! At one point Caleb was playing and he pointed to a toy and said, "Destroy the car!" He pointed at another toy and said, "Destroy the ball!" This went on until he pointed at me and said, "Destroy the grandma!" Then, he got a shocked look on his face, ran to me, climbed into my lap, snuggled and said, "Do NOT destroy the grandma! NEVER destroy the grandma! I will NEVER destroy the grandma!"

Happy Day After Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas with your families. As you go through today remember; "Even when Christmas is over the Light of the World is still here!"

Christmas in a Nutshell!

On grandma's cookie jar you have been able to find ideas for Christmas: crafts, recipes, gifts as well as a number of fun give-aways and reviews. It doesn't take more than a quick look at grandma's cookie jar to know I LOVE Christmas and look forward all year to celebrating it with my family! But, along with the "fun" of Christmas; crafts, cooking, celebrating - I also want to take a moment to point to the, "reason for the season" . . . Jesus.

Now, I realize not all of you who read grandma's cookie jar share my faith in Jesus, and I do not want to offend you or sound as if I'm "pushing" my "religion" on you. However; while all the "fun" of Christmas is, well . . . fun, there is so much more to Christmas!

The main reason I write grandma's cookie jar is to help provide ideas of ways to pass on a heritage of faith to our grandchildren. For me there is nothing more important than to know my grandsons love Jesus and will grow up to be men who love God! I am very intentional about pointing my grandsons to Jesus in the big things as well as the small things of everyday life.

So, when Christmas comes each year, it is very important to me to be sure along with the "fun", I am intentional about engaging my grandsons in the most important part of Christmas; worshipping and thanking God for the amazing Gift He gave us; Jesus!

It's Christmas!

It is Christmas - we are "celebrating" with family tonight; Mexican food, cookies and gifts with family! All the celebrating is fun; something I look forward to each year, but the most important thing is taking time to thank God for 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!

Wrapped with Love - Part Two!

Yesterday I wrote about how my sweet grandsons saw, bought and wrapped a gift for their

momma for Christmas! I said, "The boys picked the wrapping paper they wanted to use and I cut it to size; then they wrapped the gifts . . . using a LOT of tape! I have to say they are the MOST BEAUTIFULLY wrapped gifts I have ever seen! Yes, they have paper sticking up all over and do not have neatly folded ends, but these gifts are absolutely wrapped with love, which makes them the MOST BEAUTIFUL EVER! And since Christmas is really about love; God's love and how He sent the BEST GIFT EVER . . . and when you think about it, a baby in a manger in a stable was not really 'wrapped' perfectly either . . . my grandson's gift for their mom is perfect! It is about love!"

So, today I have to tell you about what happened next! The boys were at my house for a couple hours yesterday; they asked me if they could give their mom one of her presents early (I'm all about giving gifts early!!!) and I told them the gifts were from them so it was up to them when they gave them to their momma. Of course, they decided to give them to their mom! Little Caleb (he is three years old), ran up to his momma with a gift in his hand and a big smile on his sweet face and said, "Mom! This Christmas present is for you; it is lip balm!!!" Apparently he gives gifts like he plays hide-and seek . . . he tells you what it is before you open it!!!

Wrapped with Love!

The other day my grandsons were at a store with me when they saw something which caught their eye; they just HAD to have it. But, not for themselves! They said this thing (which I can not say today what it is because my daughter-in-law might see this!) was exactly what their mom had to have for Christmas! Such sweet boys!

I told them they could pay for it and we would take it home to wrap for their mom. At this, Josiah said, "I have to pay for it??!!! I only have two dollars!!!!" I said he would have to pay for it. Josiah said, "Really??? I have to pay for it???!!!!" I smiled and said, "Yes! If you only have two dollars you'll have to figure out how you will pay for it!" Behind him his poppa was whispering; "Pay with hugs and kisses! Pay with hugs and kisses!" Josiah scowled and said, "Pay . . . with hugs . . . and kisses???? OH!!!! Pay with hugs and kisses!!!!" with a big smile! I said, "Sounds like something which will work for me for sure!!!

I Have a Winner!

First of all, thank you so very much to all of you who take the time to read grandma's cookie jar! I wish I could give you all an American Girl doll, but today, I'm happy to announce Theresa Troupe is the winner of the American Girl - BeForever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book! (Theresa, please email me at lyndagcj@gmail.com so we can arrange to get Samantha to you!) Thank you Theresa for reading grandma's cookie jar and thank you American Girl for sending the BeForever Samantha doll for me to review and give away!

I am working on getting the American Girl Doll Girl of the Year for 2015 . . . so stay tuned! If I get her for review, I will be giving her away!

This Adult "Belongs" to That Sweet Child!

Saturday my sweet grandsons spent the night, so they went to church with us Sunday morning; they normally go with their parents, but when they sleep-over at our house on a Saturday, they go with us on Sunday. When it was time to go home, I went to Caleb's class to get him. He was playing with some children so his teachers told him "someone" was there to get him. He looked up, saw me and said; "It's Grandma!!!" (run, run, run to the door on his little three-year old legs) "It's Grandma!!!" (run, run, run to the door on his little three-year old legs) "It's Grandma!!!" (run, run, run to the door on his little three-year old legs) When he got to the door he said, "She's my Grandma!"  His teachers were laughing and I said; "This is why it is so much fun to be 'grandma' . . . you get greetings like this!"   His teachers had a pretty good idea this adult went with that sweet child!

Yes, I do love being my sweet grandsons' grandma!

Tomorrow Samantha Receives a "Home"!

Yes, just a reminder . . . although it is unlikely any of you forgot! . . . tomorrow,December 23, 2014 is the day I will draw a winner for the American Girl - BeForever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book (USA only)!  Before - or around - 9 am EST I will enter all the many, many names into The Hat random draw program, "hit" the "shuffle" button and then the "draw name" button and then, voila! We will have a winner!

Please check grandma's cookie jar tomorrow before 5pm EST to see if you won - if you are the winner, please contact me right away so we can arrange to get Samantha to you. If I do not hear from the winner by 5pm EST, I will draw a new winner, so PLEASE check tomorrow morning to find out if you won Samantha!

Oh, and you still have time to enter the drawing! If you live in the USA and are over the age of 18, please comment below to let me know if you have ever made a doll and if so, what kind of doll it was/is . . . I made my daughter an upside-down doll! - and another entry if you tell me who you will give Samantha to if you win! (I will not be able to get Samantha to you before Christmas, but will get it in the mail right after Christmas - unless you live near enough to me so we are able to work out getting the doll to you. I want to let the winner know they won, so if I do not hear back from whoever wins Samantha by 5pm EST on December 23, 2014, I will draw a new winner. I know this leaves you a short "window" to get in touch with me, but it is the best way I can try to help whoever does win be able to let the girl they are going to give Samantha to, know they won.)

More Christmas Fun Facts!

Christmas is just four days away, so I thought it would be fun to look up and share some more Christmas "fun facts" which you could share with your family and friends as you celebrate Christmas! Did you know . . . 

Three More Days Until Samantha Gets a Home . . .

Yes, in three days I'll be drawing the name of the person who will win the American Girl - BeForever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book (USA only)! If you live in the USA, are over the age of 18 and would like to be included in the drawing for Samantha - which will be on December 23, 2014 - AND will be sure to check back with grandma's cookie jar on the 23rd to see if you won so you can let me know by 5pm EST on December 23, 2014, please comment below to let me know what your favorite type of doll is - I love rag dolls the best! - and another entry if you tell me who you will give Samantha to if you win! (I will not be able to get Samantha to you before Christmas, but will get it in the mail right after Christmas - unless you live near enough to me so we are able to work out getting the doll to you. I want to let the winner know they won, so if I do not hear back from whoever wins Samantha by 5pm EST on December 23, 2014, I will draw a new winner. I know this leaves you a short "window" to get in touch with me, but it is the best way I can try to help whoever does win be able to let the girl they are going to give Samantha to, know they won.)

Christmas Means . . .

Christmas is just five days away; while we are likely busy finishing up with Christmas activities; children's concerts, Christmas parties, special lessons, family activities and even last-minute shopping, don't forget in all your busyness to stop and remember what Christmas actually means!

To me, Christmas means . . . 

just for fun - Christmas Trivia - Did You Know . . .

With Christmas only a week away, I thought it would be fun to share a bit of Christmas trivia with you! Did you know . . . 

American Girl BeForever Samantha Doll - I'm Giving One Away!

I am delighted to say the American Girl - BeForever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book has arrived! Let me say, Samantha is not only a lovely doll, but the character in the story is a lovely "person"; one we can happily have the girls in our lives read about and want to show the same character in their own lives!

Fun Ideas for Announcing a Late Gift . . .

So, from the response to my last few posts, I think it is fairly safe to say many of you are excited about my give-away of the American Girl - BeForever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book! As soon as she arrives - likely today or tomorrow - I will post a review, but today I thought it would be fun to share some of your ideas for how you could give her to your granddaughter or daughter for Christmas if you win . . . even though you will not receive her in time for Christmas.

The Best Gifts!

This morning my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him there really isn't anything I want. I am so blessed! This morning I received a wonderful gift . . . Caleb was looking through a book about dogs and just laughed and laughed with his all! The gift of hearing my grandson laugh is a truly wonderful gift!

Then he climbed into my lap for me to read a book to him . . . the gift of snuggling with a story; a truly wonderful gift!

And, then he smiled at me and said, "I love you forever grandma!" Yes, I already have the best gifts of all and I am ever so thankful!

American Girl Doll BeForever Samantha - Give-Away on December 23, 2014!

It looks like I'll be posting my review of the American Girl BeForever Samantha doll

tomorrow (Thursday, December 18, 2014) and will have the drawing on December 23, 2014 by 9am est. If you enter the drawing, PLEASE check to see if you won as I will draw a new winner at 5pm on December 23, 2014 if I do not hear from the first winner. Since I will not be able to get the doll to the winner before Christmas (unless someone who lives near me wins it) I want to at least be able to let the winner know they won and the doll will be on it's way!

Best wishes to all of you who would like to win the doll - I wish I had enough for all of you, but am happy to be able to give one away!

American Girl Doll Samantha BeForever Doll - Give-Away???

I have been trying to get an American Girl doll for review and give-away again this year, but since my contact person changed, I was not able to connect with someone from American Girl - until today. They are sending me the American Girl - Beforever Samantha Doll & Paperback Book for review . . . which I will give away, but it will not be possible to post the review and hold the give-away and ship the doll to the winner before Christmas.

So . . . what do you think is better . . . holding the review and give-away with the drawing in January or holding a short give-away and drawing a winner the 23rd . . . will you who enter check back the 23rd to see who won and get your address to me if you win? I'll ship it right away, but it won't arrive before Christmas. However; you could let your granddaughter/daughter know the doll is on it's way.

What do you think?

Christmas Caroling - All is Well

Yes, I'm still "caroling"; my next song is a new one from Michael W. Smith's new Christmas album. It is a song he invited Carrie Underwood to sing with him and is not only beautiful, but it has the simple, clear message of Christmas; All is Well!

grandma's bookshelf - I Love You Near and Far - I'm Giving One Away!

I was recently invited to review a book which has the potential to be encouraging and helpful for children who have a parent serving in the military, or whose parents are divorced or who have grandparents who live far away. Since this sounded like a book with the potential of being one which could help children, I definitely said, "yes!"

I Am a Very Blessed Grandma!

Today was a truly wonderful day! Josiah and Caleb spent the night and since their Poppa had to be at church all day to work lights for the morning services and for the two Christmas performances today, the boys and I stayed home and had our own Sunday School at grandma's house! We made instant snow and talked about how the Bible says, even though our sins are like scarlet, when Jesus forgives us, He washes us white as snow! Josiah told me about his favorite Bible Adventure - David and Goliath - there were no dragons in it, but there were lions, bears, a king, a giant, armies and most important, just as God helped David with his BIG problem when Josiah and Caleb have problems they can know God will help them, too!

Christmas Caroling - Mary Did You Know?

When I was a teen, the Saturday or two before Christmas typically was when we went caroling. So, today I'm still "caroling" for you . . . so what could be a better song to share, than one from Pentatonix . . . Mary Did You Know

crafting with grandma - Woven Stars!

I've been debating what to put on the top of my tree . . . yes, my tree has be up for a couple weeks now without anything on the top. I have a lovely angel which I've used in years past, but it is definitely a "girl" and angels are boys, so I didn't want to use the angel this year. 

I'd like to put a star on the top, but have not been able to find one I like. So, I am leaning toward making a star! I like the twig star idea I shared about a month ago (you'll find it at this link), but I haven't decided yet, so today when I was browsing on Pinterest, I saw a star made from paper stips which you weave together . . . it has definite possibilities!

crafting with grandma - Bell Candy Cane Ornaments!

My grandsons participate in my church's mid-week children's ministry, so at this time of

year, they make an ornament for each of their teachers. Last year they made, melting snowmen ornaments - white glitter in a clear glass ornament with a felt triangle for a nose, two tiny black pom-poms for eyes and stick arms - very cute and a lot of fun to make and receive!

This year the boys made candy canes out of bells and chenille wire! They had such fun making these ornaments - Caleb, who is only three, caught on very quickly and was stringing bells left and right! He loved being able to make the ornaments for his teachers. He wrapped each ornament in tissue and placed in a paper bag which we traced his handprint on with glitter crayons. When he gave his teachers their gifts, he opened them and handed the ornaments to his teachers! He took it very seriously!

Christmas Traditions and Celebrations!

A couple weeks ago we put up our Christmas tree, this weekend when the boys come for their sleep-over we are setting up my Precious Moment's Nativity set. I'm really looking forward to this and how we will talk about what they signify and how while the tree and gifts are fun, Christmas is really all about Jesus!

What do you do to celebrate the Reason for the Season with your grandchildren? Do you have any traditions or special things you do to celebrate?

Christmas Caroling - Silent Night

Yes, I'm still there on your "door-step" caroling, because no caroling is complete without singing the classic, Silent Night. Today I'm delighted to share this beautiful carol with you, sung by Michael W. Smith and Little Big Town on his new Christmas album . . . I have never heard a more lovely presentation of this song . . . enjoy!

Review - LeapTV Dance and Learn Game and LeapTV Sports! Game

I was recently invited to review LeapTV - and give one away which I did during my Month of Christmas Reviews/Give-Aways (November). Last week LeapFrog asked me to review and share my opinions of a couple of the games they loaded on the LeapTV they sent me for review; so since my grandsons were over yesterday, we hooked the LeapTV up and had them spend some time playing the two games I was asked to review - LeapTV Dance and Learn Game and LeapTV Sports! Game . . . a lot of fun, laughing and moveing went on at this grandma's house and I'm very happy to share my opinions of these two games with you today!

Christmas Caroling - Joy to the World!

It was lots of fun to go "caroling" yesterday, so today I'm moving on to the second song - a Christmas classic with a new, fun twist our grandchildren are sure to enjoy . . . Joy to the World! This song is certainly one of the most well known Christmas songs, with a fun new "take" from the Go Fish Guys! Look at the lyrics -

Christmas Caroling - Born is the King!

Hello! When I was a teen, we always went caroling in my youth group. So, in the spirit of Christmas, I want to "carol" at your "house" . . . or at least here on grandma's cookie jar! The first song in my "repertoire" is the song, "Born is the King" by Hillsong! I love the lyrics; "Born unto us this day a Savior, Gifted from Heaven to a manger. The Hope of the world, a Light for all mankind. All of the Earth rejoice, it's Christmas time! So lift up your voice and sing out His praise, it's Christmas! Born is the King, rejoice in the day, it's Christmas! Make a joyful sound, it's Christmas! Let His praise resound, it's Christmas!"

Review - Cuisinart Compact Blending/Chopping System

For the past month or so I've been trying out the Cuisinart Compact Blending/Chopping System, which they sent me for free to review. I'm supposed to write my own opinion of it, so today, I'm doing exactly this . . . I think it is wonderful!

grandma's cookbook - Christmas Surprise Power Puff Cookies!

"Christmas" and "cookies" just go together, so as I was browsing on Pinterest this morning, I saw a recipe for a cookie I know I just have to try! I didn't really like the recipe which came with the link, so I found another one . . . and will just add the "surprise" of the chocolate kiss to each cookie!

You'll find the recipe at this link - remember to add the chocolate kiss . . . or a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and get ready to surprise and delight your family and friends this Christmas with wonderful cookies!

I Have Two Winners!

I'm happy to say Heather Webster is the winner of the LeapFrog LeapTV and Alicia C is the winner of the Textured Year Square Glass Ornament Thank you Heather and Alicia for reading grandma's cookie jar - please contact me today, December 4, 2014 at my email - (lyndagcj@gmail.com) so I can have your prizes sent to you (The people whose names were drawn second will be the winners tomorrow if I do not hear from you today). Thank you!

Second-Chance Give-Away - LeapTV & Shutterfly Glass Ornament!

Yes, I have Second Chance Give-Aways and yes, they are two really great prizes! You will only have today to enter these give-aways as I will have the drawings tomorrow.

crafting with grandma - Great Gift Ideas!

It is December 2nd; Christmas is just 23 days away, but if you would like some great, creative, adorable and inexpensive ideas for gifts which you can make . . . check this link I found on Pinterest this morning!

Special Give-Away Tomorrow!

It is December 1st! Our month of special Christmas give-aways is completed again this year - thank you everyone for participating in the give-aways (if you are still waiting to receive your prize, please let me know - lyndagcj@gmail.com). If I needed to mail your prize to you, you can expect to receive it in about a week as I'm packaging them all up today to go out in tomorrow's mail!  

We have one more give-away - tomorrow - this one is for a free Datevitation coupon date book! While giving gifts can be wonderful, giving of yourself and your time is the best gift of all! Datevitation coupon books allow you to choose five "dates"/things you would like to do with your grandchild/child/friend/spouse and then personalize the coupons with your own photos for a unique and personal gift! You can choose from things as simple as reading books, making cookies or going on a walk to skydiving or going to the aquarium or zoo or one of hundreds of ideas! Please enter the give-away using the Rafflecopter form at the top of grandma's cookie jar (on the right side!) - the drawing is tomorrow, so you still have time to enter!