With my family, I have always had the birthday person choose their menu . . . some are fairly predictable, and others tend to
surprise me from year to year. My son chose steak, bacon, mashed red potatoes,
green beans and peanut butter pie (I’m adding French baguettes). So, today I thought it would be fun to share
with you some of my recipes for this “birthday dinner”.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Celebrating and more Celebrating - Building Those Family Memories!
I’m sure we all agree, this is a busy time of the
year . . . perhaps the busiest with
Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of
the New Year! Much to celebrate making it busy for sure and for my family, even
busier as my son’s birthday is January 2nd, my daughter’s birthday
is January 19th and my daughter-in-law’s birthday is February 18th
. . . we will continue to celebrate for a couple months!
Friday, December 30, 2016
Passing Faith to Our Grandchildren - Part Two

Today I'm writing about the second thing we want to focus on with them . . . helping them become people who pray. We gave them each a journal (just a small
notebook) and we are regularly sitting down with them to talk about how God is answering their
prayers and talk about what we can pray about with them. We have the boys draw and/or
write how God answers their prayers and their new requests in their journals –
and we are sure to go back over previous ways God has answered and the requests
we are still praying about with them. Even my grandsons who are too little to
write, can draw pictures . . . I always have them explain their answer/request,
so I am able to write their prayer requests out along with the date of their requests . . . I do have a three year old
grandson and his drawings are “interesting” to decipher on my own!
So, along with our hopes for 2017, we are focusing
upon helping our grandchildren walk closely with God by learning to live the
Fruit of the Spirit in their lives and learning to be people who pray . . . we
do have great hope for 2017!
What are you doing this year to focus upon passing faith to your grandchildren and to help them love, know and walk with God throughout 2017?
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Passing Faith to My Grandsons . . .

The first thing my husband and I are doing is to
focus upon the Fruit of the Spirit. We want our grandsons to be boys, teens and then men who love, know and walk with God throughout their lives. We
want them to know what it, “looks like” to “walk” with God, and again, since
they are young (eight, five and three), we think focusing upon the Fruit of the
Spirit and what it looks like lived out in their lives is a great way to do
this . . . and honestly, no matter their age, it is a great way to help us all
better understand what it means to walk with God!
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
2016's Blessings?
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Our Top Five Reasons for Being There
I have friends who only let their grandchildren spend time at their homes a couple times a month. They said they thought it was "wise" to set "limits", so their own children did not take advantage of them when it came to taking care of their grandchildren. They said this "freed them up" to be able to enjoy their retirement.
I love my friends, but think they have completely missed what wisdom is when it comes to their grandchildren. I am happy to spend time with my grandchildren as often as possible. My grandsons have at least one sleepover at my house each week; in fact, this post is going up so late today, because they had an extra sleepover last night - since they are on Christmas break. I appreciate every opportunity I have to spend time with these three sweet gifts from the hand of God!
So, why do I believe it is real wisdom to spend as much time with my grandchildren as I can? Consider the following . . .
I love my friends, but think they have completely missed what wisdom is when it comes to their grandchildren. I am happy to spend time with my grandchildren as often as possible. My grandsons have at least one sleepover at my house each week; in fact, this post is going up so late today, because they had an extra sleepover last night - since they are on Christmas break. I appreciate every opportunity I have to spend time with these three sweet gifts from the hand of God!
So, why do I believe it is real wisdom to spend as much time with my grandchildren as I can? Consider the following . . .
Monday, December 26, 2016
grandma's bookshelf - God Made You Nose to Toes - and I'm Giving One Away!
My sweet Josiah loves to read and I do believe one reason for this is because his parents and grandparents made a point to read to him since he was just a very little baby! We read to him and read to his brothers as well - there is great value in doing this. My sweet Caleb (five years old) is beginning to read . . . he quite enjoys being able to put letters together to make words and sweet Shane (three years old) loves it when he learns a new letter!
Since I love books and reading, I'm always happy when I'm invited to read and review a new book. Recently Zonderkidz invited me to review God Made You Nose to Toes . . . I loved the title and thought it sounded like a fun book for little ones, so today I'm very happy to share it with you.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
All is Well!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.As you celebrate today, tonight and tomorrow with those you love, remember; All is Well! Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2016
Shark Hats!

I wanted to show you a photo of the hats and give you a link where you will find the pattern if you want to make them (I changed the hat a big, by removing the side fins and giving the hat ear flaps and I changed the teeth). You'll find the pattern at this link.
Do you make hats for your grandchildren? If so, what is the "funnest" hat you have made for them?
Thursday, December 22, 2016
grandma's bookshelf - I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! - I'm Giving One Away!
So, as a mom, I tried to pass on a love for books to my two children and now do the same with my three grandsons. It makes me happy to see how Josiah loves to read! I'm very happy to see Caleb enjoy learning to read and love when Shane (and all three boys) will snuggle with me so I can read to them.
This is one of the reasons I love to review books on grandma's cookie jar - I end up with lots of wonderful books for my grandsons to enjoy . . . and for them to share with others as they give many of them to their Charter School and send them to their cousin in California. Plus, often I get to give them away to you as well!
I think starting the new year reading is a wonderful way to begin . . . one of the reasons for my recent reviews (and upcoming giveaways) of Your Alien Returns at this link and NIV Journal the Word Bible Large Print Edition at this link. So, when I was recently invited by Zonderkidz to read and review a new picture book I was very quick to say; "Yes!" - the title had me . . . I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! They sent it for me to review and today I'm very happy to share it with you!
crafting with grandma - Handprint Snowmen Ornament!

While I do not enjoy snow, I love snowpeople! And, I'm a huge fan of making handprint items with children when they are little - they grow so quickly so having those little handprints to remind you of how little they once were, well, it is a wonderful thing! This particular ornament I'm sharing with you today, I found on Pinterest.
Just follow this link and you'll find the simple directions for making this adorable ornament! Just think how adorable this would also be as handprints on a t-shirt, or hat, or . . . !!!
Have fun with this idea and make some fun memories with the hand prints of sweet little people in your life! :-)
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
just for fun - Interesting Christmas Trivia
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Be Intentional & Faithful in Spending Time in God's Word with the NIV Journal the Word Bible - and I'm Giving One Away!
For us to do these things, we have to be people who love, know and walk with God, as we can not pass to others what we do not have and do ourselves. This of course means we are people who pray (check a post at this link I wrote earlier this month about being intentional when it comes to praying for your grandchildren) and who are faithful to spend time in God's Word ourselves, so we are able to have a real walk with God. So, today, I'm happy to share with you another resource which will help you with your walk with God . . . the new NIV Journal the Word Bible Large Print Edition from Zondervan (which they sent me for review).
Monday, December 19, 2016
LEGO Challenge Cards!

So, when I browsed on Pinterest this morning, and saw a link for fun ideas to challenge and encourage children to grow and learn by playing with their Legos I knew I wanted to take a closer look. The Lego Challenge Cards are described as; "This giant collection of Lego Challenge Cards is a simple prep, fun way to sneak some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning into the day. With cards which range from easy to difficult, little engineers will love tackling the designs. Grab your set at this link and add them to your home. There are so many ways to use these cards!"
You will find them at this link - I will definitely use them with my grandsons to help them learn and have fun at the same time . . . and give them more things to do with their Legos!
Some Thoughts About the "Silent Night"
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Sunday, December 18, 2016
Pass on the Best Gift Ever this Christmas!

This sounds a lot like us - we forget all God has done for us. We do not tell our children and grandchildren, so they grow up not even knowing God. We are influenced - not in a positive way - by the culture around us and we find ourselves far from Him.
Friday, December 16, 2016
A "New Year's Resolution" You Can Keep!


year where you pray "deeply" for your grandchildren, children and the people you love by praying Scripture for them. I said; "With 2017 just being around the corner, I'd like to challenge and encourage you to commit to be a grandparent (parent) who prays the Scripture more deeply for yourself and for the people you love. We do not know what 2017 holds for us; the world seems to be very unsettled, to say the least. But, we do know Who holds the future and we can be people who talk with Him every day! We can be people who lift up those we love, every day in focused, deep prayer!"
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Top 5 reasons for Focusing our Grandchildren on Receiving at Christmas
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
My Top Five Reasons to Focus My Grandchildren on Giving at Christmas
“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call, Their favorite time of the year!”
Ah, yes . . . Christmas time is here and while our grandchildren are likely to be focused on the gifts they hope to receive . . . as for many children it is their favorite time of year, I believe it is the ideal time to redirect their focus to giving to others! So . . . here are my Top 5 Reasons for Focusing My Grandchildren on Giving at Christmas . . .
Snowman Donuts!

Fun just for a surprise or a stocking stuffer or if you are having a party, this would make a fun party favor!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
grandma's bookshelf - Your Alien Returns . . . & I'm Giving One Away!
Monday, December 12, 2016
A Busy Weekend with Lights, Trains, Real Reindeer, Snowoctopus & More . . .

We all had a wonderful time at Frederik Meijer Gardens - if you live in the area, definitely put this on your list of things to do with your family this Christmastime!
Sunday, December 11, 2016
I Have a Winner!

Saturday, December 10, 2016
Our First Annual Snow-A-Palooza!

So, today the boys are getting to experience petting live reindeer and will be able to see thousands and thousands of Christmas lights at the Frederick Meijer Gardens - we will have a lot of fun for sure! And, tomorrow we will have our First-Ever Annual Snow-A-Palooza!
Friday, December 9, 2016
Second-Chance Giveaway on December 11, 2016 - Nefarious: The Mad Scientist Game
When I was a child there were a couple things we could always know we would receive for Christmas . . . books, clothes and at least one board game. Yes, this was "pre-electronic games", but board games were always something we received for Christmas . . . at least for those years we were in elementary school. Board games were a good way to get us playing together as a family . . . they still are today; even with the popularity of electronic games.
So, today I'm very happy to share with you a new board game from USAopoly, which they sent me for review, and to announce another giveaway!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
just for fun - Build a LEGO Nativity Set

Follow this link for complete directions along with photos which show the pieces you need to build Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus in a manger, Shepherds, Sheep and a stable complete with a star.
Enjoy and, of course, use the opportunity as you build to read Luke 2 and talk about how amazing, and wonderful, it is for God to send Jesus as the best Gift ever! This could be the start of a fun family tradition where you build the Nativity each year as you talk about and read from Luke 2 at Christmas!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Make 2017 the Year Where You Pray Deeper!


Yet, we know prayer is important. We know, especially in this day and age, we - and our grandchildren (and children) need all the prayer they can get. We want to be people who pray; and people who pray deeply, but are not sure how to be this kind of person.
Well, please allow me to help you. I understand these feelings about prayer and struggled many years to be a person who prayed. Then one Sunday I heard Dr. Ed Dobson preach about how the best way to pray is to pray Scripture. This made sense to me, so being a writer, I started at Genesis and worked my way through the Bible to Revelation. Whenever I came to a passage I could pray, I wrote it out as a personalized Scripture prayer and divided it into seven parts, so I would be able to pray the passage more deeply by praying each portion over a week's time. This allowed me to pray regularly and to pray Scripture more deeply by spending a week praying through each passage!
Let Them Hear It From Us!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Legacy Coalition - Josh McDowell - Make the Time We Have Count!

Josh McDowell has ten grandchildren ages 12 and under. He said in the 55 years and the more than 34,000 times he has he has been speaking to people, he had never before spoken to a conference on grandparenting, but he was very happy to be able to do so, as after Jesus, his family was his greatest motivation.
Josh shared two things for us to be aware of as grandparents -
Monday, December 5, 2016
It's Time to Think About Christmas - a Nativity Set for Each Child!
Moments Nativity Set . . . this was 35 Christmases ago!

Each year I love setting up my Nativity Sets . . . we have a bay window in our living room and the tree goes in the window; I set the Precious Moments Nativity Set in the window as well with the kings traveling across the living room to the Nativity, because I want the focus to be on the Reason for the Season.
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