just for fun - Leap Day Fun & Remember & Celebrate Day!

Yes, today is Leap Day - the day which comes only once every four years. So, why not have some special fun today with your grandchildren? I looked on Pinterest and found some links which provide ideas for Leap Day fun . . . and today is the perfect day to share them with you!

grandma's chuckles - Snow Duck Man of Doom!

What do you do when you are at your grandparent's home and there is snow in their large yard? Well, of course you play in it!

Yesterday my grandsons were here and wanted to go out to play in the snow. Could they build a simple snowman? Of course not! They built a snow duck man of doom! 

These boys make my heart ever so happy! They are sweet, funny, and are gifts from the hand of God!

What is something funny your grandchildren have said or done lately?

crafting with grandma - Butterflies!

Even though it does not look like it out my window, Spring is just around the corner! So, I thought it would be fun today to find a craft children could make to brighten their home - and give to others to share the fun of Spring! 

I looked on Pinterest and found a craft - similar to a God's-eye, which uses craft sticks, yarn, beads, and chenille wire to make colorful butterflies. I have most of these supplies and think it would be great fun for the boys to make them for their Wednesday night kid's club teachers - as an end of year thank you!

Be a Milestone Celebrator!

When I think of celebrating milestones in a child's life, I think of two things. First of all I think about the idea a child has made a decision, or done something, or grown to a point where a milestone in their life has been reached. These are truly important moments and worthy of being celebrated, but in far too many instances we are all too busy to stop and notice and celebrate. 

The second thing I think about is the family. A milestone in a child's life is also a milestone in a family's life as well. Often the family had a big part to "play"  in the child reaching their milestone so the celebration is one not only for the child, but also for the family as well. 

grandma's bookshelf - Snuggle Time Prayers - I'm Giving One Away!

What is one of your favorite times when your grandchildren come to your home for sleep-overs? Since my grandchildren are young, I love to snuggle! I love when they climb into my lap and I get to put my arms around them! Yes, snuggling is a special thing I treasure - especially since I know it will not be very long and the boys will be grown and snuggling in grandma's lap will be a thing of the past.

So, when I was invited to review a new book by Glenys Nellist with the title - "Snuggle Time Prayers", I knew I wanted to take a look at this book! The name had my attention . . . and today I'm very happy for the opportunity to share it with you!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Breakouts - Part 3

I know I have been writing quite a bit about the Legacy Grandparent Conference, but I really want to invite you to consider attending this opportunity in May, because there is nothing more important we can do as grandparents/parents than to pass on a heritage of faith to our grandchildren. 

So, for two days I've been sharing about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen . . . today I'm happy to let you know about two more Breakout options . . .

My Grandma "Instruction" Book . . .

In my previous post I said: "As grandparents, we do not receive an 'instruction book" with the arrival of our first grandchild." This is partially true. There are not really any books which tell us all the "how-to's" of grandparenting . . . at least not so far! But, God's Word does tell us much about being a grandparent. So, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite passages - Psalm 103:13-18 - which helps me know what I am supposed to be doing as a grandma . . . 

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Breakouts - Part 2

As grandparents, we do not receive an "instruction book" with the arrival of our first grandchild. We do not receive invitations to classes where we will learn all the, "in's-and-out's" about grandparenting. We do not find conferences we can attend where we will be encouraged and equipped to return home and understand how to more effectively pass on a heritage of faith to our grandchildren . . . well, not until now!

For the past week I have been sharing with you about the Legacy Grandparent Conference and want to invite you to consider attending this opportunity in May, because if you do, you will find you are engaged, equipped, and encouraged to focus on passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren, and will be able to connect with other grandparents who are going to do the same!

Yesterday I began sharing about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen . . . and today I'm happy to let you know about three more Breakout options . . .

crafting with grandma . . . Blarney Stones!

I am not Irish - I do have an ancestor who was Scottish, and who was shanghaied from Scotland, brought to America, and sold as an indentured servant . . . but this is another story entirely! However, Irish or not, I have heard of the Blarney Stone! I went on-line to get the "facts" straight . . . if such a thing is possible for the story of the Blarney Stone!!! . . . and will share them with you . . . 

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Look at These Breakouts . . . Part One

Yes, if you have been reading grandma's cookie jar for the past week, you will have been able to see how I truly believe grandparents matter, we have a very important responsibility in passing our faith to our grandchildren, and you will have been able to learn about an up-coming opportunity to learn more about Grandparenting and how you can be more effective in passing on your faith to your grandchildren by attending the first-ever Grandparent Conference on May 9th and 10th in Eden Prairie, MN, at Grace Church.

I have shared the details, introduced the speakers, and talked about the General Sessions. Today - and for the following few days, I'm going to let you know about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen!

So, let's take a look at some of the Breakouts which will be available to you . . . 

grandma's bookshelf - Little Love Letters from God - I'm Giving One Away!

A little over a year ago I shared a review of a book written by a friend - "Love Letters from God". I said, "I love the unique feature of the "love letters" from God to children; it makes this book, "personal". While there is no shortage of Bible storybooks on the market, Love Letters from God is truly unlike any other I've ever reviewed! God's Word is personal; truly God's love letter to us, but this is difficult for a Bible storybook to communicate to children; until Glenys' book! With the short, simple presentation of key Bible Adventures, Love Letters from God not only helps children learn these Bible accounts, but helps them understand how they are far, far more than "stories"; they truly are God's letters filled with love to them from Him!"

Recently Glenys let me know about her new book, Little Love Letters from God, and I am very happy for the opportunity to share it with you.

Legacy Grandparent Conference - General Session Topics

I have been writing about the Legacy Grandparent Conference for the past several days - first I shared the details . . . it is on May 9th & 10th at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN . . . and introduced you to the speakers. Just a quick look at the speakers confirms they are people who care very much about passing a heritage of faith to their grandchildren/children and want to help grandparents do the same.

As grandparents, one of the most important things we will ever do is to pass our faith on to our grandchildren. This conference can help us feel equipped to do this. So, today I'm going to share with you the topics the speakers will be talking about in the General Sessions . . .

Check Out the New Cover on, It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren . . .

Last year my book; It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren: and Other Important Facts for Grandparents and Parents, too! was released. Today I'm happy to show you the new cover for this book!

just for fun - February is the Great American Pie Month - Favorite Pie!

Before February ends, I thought it would be fun to share with you a tasty bit of information . . . it is the Great American Pie Month! Around my house, when it is a birthday, the birthday person gets to choose the menu for their birthday dinner - this includes the dessert. Most of the time, my family members choose pie for their dessert . . . and most of the time, they choose frozen peanut butter pie.

So, since it is the Great American Pie Month . . . at least for eight more days . . . I thought I'd share my family's favorite pie recipe with you!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Check Out the Speakers - Part 2!

Yesterday I introduced five of the speakers at the up-coming Legacy Grandparent Conference May 9th & 10th in Eden Prairie, MN; today I'm delighted to introduce the remaining five speakers. As you will see, the line up of speakers makes this a conference you will want to attend and take grandparents you know with you, so you will all be able to learn and be encouraged!

Catherine Jacobs is from the South Carolina low Country and has lived there for 30 years. She has served on the staff of he church, St. Pauls, Summerville, for 14 years as the Director of Children's and Family Ministry. When she became a grandmother, her passion for increasing the impact of a parent and grandparent's influence on their child's heart led to the creation of Pass the Legacy Ministry and to record a DVD/CD small group study, Seven Keys for "Salty" Grand Parents. These keys touch the hearts of loved ones, so a legacy of faith in Christ is passed to the next generations. She is a charter member of the Legacy Coalition and has four grown children and four grandchildren.  

grandma's movie review & giveaway - Owlegories

I was recently invited to take a look at a new series of videos for children which are focused on helping children learn about God through the amazing things found in nature and revealed in God's Word. They sent me two of their DVDs for review, so my grandsons and I sat down and watched them. I'm happy to share with you today about the new series, Owlegories!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Check Out the Speakers!

For the past few days I've been writing about the Legacy Grandparent Conference - yesterday I wrote about the specifics . . . date, location, cost. Today I want to share with you information about the speakers!

Wayne Rice is serving as Master of Ceremonies and speaker for one of the Breakout Sessions. He and his wife Marci have three children and five grandchildren. Wayne is the Co-founder of Youth Specialties, Director of Conferences for the Legacy Coalition, & Author of hundreds of books/resources for Youth Ministry, as well as the book, Generation to Generations.

The Legacy Grandparenting Conference - Because Passing on Our Faith Matters to Us!

For almost five years I've been writing about the joys of being a grandma and how important it is to pass on a heritage of faith to my grandchildren. Over these five years, I've been so very blessed to get to know many of you - it is clear you are grandparents - and parents, who also care about passing faith to your grandchildren/children.

Yes, we have a lot of fun with posts about silly holidays, crafts, recipes and the "fun" of being a grandparent/parent, but we have also been able to share with each other about the responsibility and privilege of passing our faith on to the children we love so very much. This is why I am so very excited to share with you the Legacy Coalition and our first-ever grandparenting conference - I know being intentional and effective grandparents matters to us.

A couple days ago I wrote about the first-ever grandparenting conference; today I want to share more with you about this opportunity to strengthen your family and learn how to pass our faith on by attending a conference which will help you understand how to better pass on a heritage of faith to your grandchildren! Doing this is important for many reasons, but one is because it helps us follow the Biblical role God has designed . . . one where grandparents are passing their faith on to their children's children.

It's Bake for Family Fun Month - Family Favorite - Lasagna!

Earlier this month, I shared with you how February is, "Bake for Family Fun Month"! I said; "This sounds like a fun thing to celebrate, so along with sharing some of my favorite baking recipes this month, I thought it would be fun to ask you to share your favorite recipes, too! If enough of you share recipes, I'll print them up in a doc which you will be able to download . . . our first-ever grandma's cookie jar cookbook!"

I shared a recipe for my favorite flaky biscuits - with a delicious cinnamon touch! (You'll find this recipe at the following link.) So, today I thought it would be fun to share with you some additional family favorite recipes . . . 

Legacy Grandparenting Conference - Please Join Us!

With all my talk about engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents to

pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren, you may be wondering exactly how do you do this? Well, I'm delighted today to let you know about a place where you will find the answers to your questions . . . the first ever Grandparenting Conference!

Your Invitation . . . Please Join the Coalition!

I have been writing a lot about the need for grandparents to pass on a legacy of faith to their grandchildren; well, today I'm very happy to invite you to check out the new Legacy Coalition - Grandparenting Matters Facebook page! Our new webpage will be up and running shortly, but our Facebook page is available as a place where you will find information, ideas and resources to help you with this important responsibility and joy we have as grandparents!

I Have a Winner!

I'm very happy to announce Tina is the winner of one Little One, God Loves You book (you'll find my review at this link)!  Thank you Tina for reading grandma's cookie jar  (please email me at  lyndagcj@gmail.com by February 23, 2016 to let me know your address, 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!

just for fun - Tomorrow is Random Acts of Kindness Day!

While I encourage my grandsons to focus on being kind to others every day, since tomorrow is, "Random Acts of Kindness Day", it seems like a great time to remind them to be kind and to think of ways they can be kind to others tomorrow. It is all about finding small ways to make a difference and in doing so, to also put a smile on someone else's face!

My grandsons do not have school today, so they will be arriving at my house soon, as they are spending the day here while their mom is at work. WE will talk about things they can do to be kind . . . things like . . . 

grandma's challenge - "I Love You!" . . . How Are You Doing?

The end of last month I presented you with my "grandma's challenge", where I said I wanted to . . . "give a monthly "challenge"; something specific for us to focus on in the coming month to pass on our faith and build our relationship with our grandchildren." The first "challenge" is really a very easy one . . . "a challenge to remember to speak and show our love to others!" So, today I thought I'd take a moment to ask how is it going? How are you doing?

I thought I'd share a way to go beyond the easy, surface way of saying you love your grandchildren, although doing this is extremely important, but to encourage you to be intentional about showing your love . . . especially if your grandchildren are having a difficult time, being disobedient or just not cooperating. Yes, as wonderful as my grandchildren are - and they are extremely wonderful . . . there are times when they do not cooperate, disobey and are more challenging; I believe all of us are like this from time to time.

At any rate, when these times happen, I do not believe in yelling. I hold my grandson (they all still fit in my lap, but when they get too big for a lap, if they are having a difficult time, I would still be able to have them sit next to me and then put my arms around them) and speak softly to them. I believe physical touch in a gentle and loving way, combined with a soft and loving voice/tone is a wonderful way to get their attention and to help them calm down. I try to get them to tell me what they are thinking; why they are upset and then we talk about what they may do - the choices they can make, along with the ones they may not make - they may not be unkind, they do have to obey, etc. Then we talk about what God's Word says and pray together.

From there we talk about any consequences or if they need to apologize to someone - typically a younger brother.

I believe this is a great way to show love.

So, how are things going for you?

2016 American Girl Doll Girl of the Year - Lea . . . I'm Giving One Away!

Yes, on May 30, 2016 I'm giving away one 2016 American Girl Doll Girl of the Year! This year the doll - Lea, is traveling to Brazil with her family to explore the rain-forest and the ocean; a few weeks ago we looked at some of the more unique creatures you might find in the Brazilian rain forest, so today, I thought it would be fun to look up some information about some of the more unique creatures you might find in the ocean!

Yes, I Have Blessings, But I Also Have Challenges - We All Do!

Yesterday I talked about the many blessings God has lavished on me; today, I want to take a moment to talk about challenges which have also been part of my life. Just as we all have blessings - big and small - in our lives, we also have challenges. 

This morning as I read my Grandmother's Bible, the devotion talked about "Strength in Adversity". Rebecca Manley Pippert said, "The measure of a person is seen in his or her response to adversity. David's life reminds us that being a believer, or even a future king, does not protect us from the ambiguities of life. God 'sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous' (Matthew 5:45). Our relationship with God does not protect us from the storm, but through knowing Him, we are protected from the storm's power to destroy us. We need to be realistic about the fact life is difficult. Instead of blaming God for our trials, we must turn to Him, for He alone can give us the resources we need to overcome them."

What are Your Blessings?

I've been thinking a lot today, in particular, about the many blessings God has lavished on me . . . of course, the first is His love, grace and forgiveness! He has also blessed me with an amazing husband - we met on a volcano and have been married for 35 years! We have two grown children and one daughter-in-law - all blessings from the hand of God! I have three wonderful grandsons who make my heart happy . . . most certainly blessings from God!

I Have a Winner & Another Giveaway in Three Days!

I'm very happy to announce Nicole Lancaster is the winner of one Lots of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids book (you'll find my review at this link)! Thank you Nicole for reading grandma's cookie jar (please email me  at lyndagcj@gmail.com by February 20, 2016 to let me know your address, 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!