Equip the Children You Love for the 2023/24 School Year with Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

One of the most powerful things we are able to do for the children we love is for us to pray for them. One even more powerful thing we are able to do for them is to help them learn to be people who pray. With the 2023/24 school year about to begin, it is the perfect time to equip the children we love with learning to talk with God, so as they face whatever this year brings - the great things along with the challenging, they will have a firm foundation for them to hold to, come what may. To do this, give the children you love ages four through fourteen the book - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children!

crafting with grandma - Clay Pot Snowman

 

Christmas is just over four months away . . . not very long actually. So, if you like to make gifts for people you love, and like to help your grandchildren do the same, check this idea for clay pot snowmen. It is a fun craft and one you could have your grandchildren make - or have them make smaller ones to give their teachers.

August is Family Fun Month!

While I think every month should be a "family fun month", apparently August is the official Family Fun Month! So . . . what could you do to have family fun during the month of August? Consider some of the following ideas . . . 

Today is Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day!

One great way to build memories and strong connections with the children we love is by celebrating - which is why I'm sharing a daily "holiday"! Of course we celebrate birthdays and holidays like Christmas, but there are many, many fun "holidays" we can celebrate each day, so choose some and celebrate - be sure to take lots of photos because the memories will bring joy long after you finish your celebration!

So, today I'm sharing with you a truly fun and memorable day - with many great ways to celebrate . . . Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day! You will find out about it at this link, but I want to share with you a couple examples of uncommon instruments (you will find more at this link) and then a fun way to celebrate!

illustrate my own Unknown Bible Hero books - No "Ordinary" Bible Person Storybook

If you are not an artist, or artistic person, when you see a book which you need to provide the illustrations, you may think it is not the book for you. But, in this case with the  illustrate my own Unknown Bible Hero books, nothing could be farther from the truth! These books give you the unique opportunity to engage with the children you love in ways you never have when you read a book about a real Bible person, since you and/or they will be providing the illustrations. This means you get to talk about what is happening, think through what the Bible person is saying, and basically really pay attention to the details so you are able to provide the illustrations! Just think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have about the Bible people and how what they learned applies to you as well! These books are no ordinary Bible person storybook!

Today is National Hug Day!

Today is National Share a Hug Day! While I think every day is a great day for a hug, a day to especially focus on it, is a great thing - you will be able to learn more about it at this link - on this site I learned five important things hugs do for you, but will just share the first with you here . . .

My Promise

My grandsons begin school in just three weeks; which has me thinking about how quickly they are growing up and what truly matters. 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! 

Celebrate - it is International Tiger Day!

I believe spending time with grandparents should be time our grandchildren will remember as being time well spent! One way we are able to do this is by being grandparents who celebrate - in big and small ways! Certainly this involves celebrating birthdays and holidays, but we are able to make each time we are with the ones we love, a time when we celebrate. Happily there are LOTS of "special" days to celebrate - such as, today is International Tiger Day - certainly a day to celebrate for sure!

Fun Facts about Grandparents & Why What They Do Matters!

 

Clearly, from the things I write about I sincerely believe grandparents need to focus on handing down confident faith to their grandchildren. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Loose Caboose & Teeter Tower - Great Christmas Gifts from Gamewright

If you are looking for a fun game to get and play with the children you love as the summer comes to an end, check out these games from Gamewright - 

Birthday Dessert - Chocolate Mousse Pie!

My youngest grandson will be turning ten in a few days, so this year his birthday dinner menu is - steak, french fries, watermelon, corn on the cob, and chocolate mousse pie! I always let my family members choose the menu for their birthday dinner, so when he told me he thought chocolate pie sounded tasty for his dinner, I started looking for a recipe - and happily found one which I'm sharing with you today!

just for fun - Today is National Milk Chocolate Day!

As they say on the National Day site, "When solid chocolate is combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk; it’s known as milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is the most popular member of the chocolate family." So, today I thought I'd share some fun chocolate facts with you from the Whitaker's site . . . did you know . . . 

grandma's chuckles . . . "I Need a Break From Children . . . !"

From the title of this post, you may be thinking I, or another adult, said this statement, but no . . . it was uttered by my then four-year old grandson, Caleb! On that day the boys spent Friday at my house, had a sleep-over, and then Saturday afternoon, we took them home. On the way we discovered their parents were thinking about having a bonfire at our house (we live in the country with plenty of room for bonfires and at the time they lived in the city - not so much bonfire room!)

Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

A few years ago my grandsons and I worked on a project to make prayer "easier" for them and the result was the book - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children. If we want the children we love to learn to walk closely with God, they need to learn to talk with Him. Praying Deeper Through the Psalms - Children's Edition is designed to help children - preschool through Middle School age - learn to do exactly this by praying the Psalms back to God. In this book you will find 52 weeks of Scripture prayers from the Book of Psalms and space for children to record their own prayer requests and how God answers. With Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children the children you love will learn how to talk with God - and will make their way through the Book of Psalms a thoughtful way as well. Look what people are saying about it - 

Take & Make the Time to Speak & Show Love

I am blessed with three grandchildren - and they are all doing what they do . . . growing up. My oldest grandson now has his driver's permit! How could this have possibly happened so fast?!

Today is National Take Your Pants for a Walk Day!

Today is National Take Your Pants for a Walk Day! I know, funny "name" for a day, but the idea is to get out and walk - and this is something we are able to do with the children we love! I have MS and sometimes walking is challenging, but I have also lost 85lbs since the start of 2020, and walking is a bit easier. So, my dear husband and I, along with our grandsons and often a neighbor girl, go to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - typically once a week, to walk. We also visit area parks on another day each week to walk. It has been a lot of fun for sure - and a great time to get more photos of my grandsons!

just for fun - Today is National Dog Photography Day!

If you have a dog in your family, then today is just the day to take photos of them as it is National Dog Photography Day! You are able to learn about this day at the following link - but I thought I'd also share a few fun facts about dogs from AKC with you . . .

just for fun - Today is National Coffee Milkshake Day!

Okay, if you are like many of my family members, you enjoy coffee. And, if you are like many of my family members, you also enjoy milkshakes . . . so why not combine them! And, why not do so today, since it is National Coffee Milkshake Day! 

Grab some coffee, and ice cream, and enjoy! And While you enjoy, check out these fun facts I found on National Day's site - see their full article at this link -

American Girl - WellieWishers Kendall Doll

Today I'm happy to share information about another of American Girl's new WellieWisher dolls - Kendall.

Watch Out for Those Fire-Breathing Basset Hounds!

I LOVE the imagination of four year olds! I LOVE the way they see the world and how some things are just "obvious" . . . at least if you are four years old! 

One day, several years ago, when my sweet grandson was four he told me the following. "Grandma, if we lived in a different world, we'd have to watch out for fire-breathing basset hounds!"  I smiled, and said, "Hmmm. I don't think I've ever seen a fire-breathing basset hound." To which he replied, "That's because they would only be in a different world!" 

Water Balloons - 20 Fun Ideas!

Summer is nearly upon us and it is likely to be hot across the country - even where I live in Michigan, so, today I'm happy to share a pin for 20 fun Water Balloon games.

My grandsons tried the water balloon hunt, the water balloon piñata, and the water balloon launcher! We definitely ended up with up with completely soaked boys and there was lots of laughing! 

grandma's bookshelf - Sidney and Norman - a tale of two pigs

Today I'm happy to let you know about a book I particularly enjoy. It is an older book, but definitely one worth getting if you do not already have it.

I love children's books because they typically tell a good story, with illustrations and a point . . . something to talk about with children. But I also love children's books because more often than not they have a point for adults, too! This book is most certainly one such book . . . while you may think it is a children's book . . . it is actually a book for adults!

Things I Love About the 4N1 - a Unique Mobility Rollator/Chair and the Perfect Gift for You or Someone You Love

  

Miracle Mobility sent me their unique and award-winning 4N1 to review so I am able to try it out in a variety of settings and let you know all about it. If you or someone you love is experiencing mobility challenges, the 4N1 may be the perfect resource for you as it combines a rollator, electric wheelchair, a wheelchair others are able to push someone in, and a power assist chair into one amazing item! Today I will share a few of my observations about it so you are able to consider it for yourself or someone you love - it would make a fantastic gift for sure as it is actually the gift of mobility!

A Family of Her Own for Candy

Last summer my husband, grandsons, and I went to the Humane Society to get a kitten. I wanted my grandsons to go with us because, first of all, they love all animals, secondly I wanted to be sure whatever cat we got was one which was able to be around my grandsons without being aggressive. We spent some time at the Humane Society and finally settled on a very sweet calico - which we named Candy, because she is sweet (and my middle grandson said she reminded him of candy corn.) 

American Girl WellieWisher Camille Doll

Have you heard of a "WellieWisher doll"? What is a "WellieWisher doll" you ask? Well, it is an adorable line of dolls with a focus on friendships! American Girl describes the WellieWishers as . . . "Meet the WellieWishers, a sweet and silly group of girls who each have the same big, bright wish: to be a good friend. Explore their world as they step into colorful garden boots and get ready for stomping in mud puddles, putting on shows, and helping friendships grow." 

The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys & Their Not-So-Peculiar, Scary, or Terrifying Discovery!

Yesterday I shared a couple illustrations with you from the first story - There are Teeny, Tiny, Itty, Bitty, Not-so-Hairy, Two-eyed People Children Under My Bed! from the new book - The Little Ginormous, Humungous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures! Today I am happy to share a couple illustrations with you from the second story in the book - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys & Their Not-So-Peculiar, Scary, or Terrifying Discovery! 

One of My Best Gifts Ever

I thought it would be fun to share with you something I did with my children and might be doing with my grandsons as well. When my children were eight and nine years old, I asked them to draw me a self-portrait which I planned to frame and put on my wall. They did and these drawings are on my wall; they are some of my favorite gifts I've ever received! Tiffany drew a picture of herself shopping and Dave drew a picture of himself hiking by a lake in the woods with his dog, Scout! I love these pictures and look forward to my grandsons drawing pictures of themselves so I can frame them and add them to the wall!

There are Teeny, Tiny, Itty, Bitty, Not-so-Hairy, Two-eyed People Children Under My Bed!

Today I am writing about the release of "The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures! and today I am happy to let you know of a new cover (this one has more color) and I want to share with you a peek into the first story in the book - There are Teeny, Tiny, Itty, Bitty, Not-so-Hairy, Two-eyed People Children Under My Bed!

Upcoming Anniversary & an Important Example

My husband and I are just a few weeks from celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary! We met on a volcano and were married on my grandpa/ma Fullmer's 55th anniversary - both sets of my grandparents and my parents had long committed marriages. They all set the example for me of loving, honoring, and cherishing my husband. I never one time heard my grandparents or parents say anything negative about each other - I think this is what the vows mean - or part of it - when we commit to love, honor, and cherish the one we marry. (This is an engagement photo of us . . . we were SO young!!!)

Make the Most of Being a Grandparent - Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren

I've been writing for several years about how important it is for us, as grandparents to hand down a heritage of confident faith. One way I do this is to let you know about resources to help you as you do this. Today I'm sharing a resource with you which you could read and use to hand down confident faith to your grandchildren!

grandma's favorite things - Fiesta Ware!

When I was a child my grandma had Fiesta Ware dishes - whenever we ate at her house I always hoped I would get to eat off the sunny yellow plates! So, when I had the opportunity to review some of Fiesta Ware's square dinnerware - well, I was very happy to do so!

44 Ways to Praise a Child

 

In the NIV Mom's Devotional Bible, I saw "101 Ways to Praise a Child", so . . . since any day seems like a great opportunity to encourage a child, I thought I'd share some of my personal favorite ways to praise a child with you today!

Join All of Us - Make a Difference

Have you heard of the "All of Us" research program from the NIH? Well, it is a fantastic opportunity for "all of us" to make an impact on the future of health care in our country. How, you ask? Please let me share with you some information . . .

Hand Down Confident Faith with Generations Quest Cultivate the Faith

If you are looking for something to help you hand down confident faith, then take a close look at Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! This resource will provide you with 52 weeks of Bible learning, science projects, crafts, cooking and much more - all designed to make it easy for you to hand down confident faith while engaging the children you love in interesting, fun and active learning.

Fun to Make Unique Craft/Gift

Do you like to make unique, special gifts for the people on your gift list? Do you enjoy helping your grandchildren learn to make unique special gifts for the people on their gift list? There are only five months until Christmas, so if you'd like a great idea for a truly unique gift, try this one! You could help your grandchildren make this gift for their parents!

Cuisinart Cook & Pour Saucepan . . . Let's Make Soup!

When the days are cooler we tend to think it is the perfect time for soup, but homemade soup is not only delicious . . . it is really quite easy to make and is a tasty option even when the weather is warm. Just combine with sandwiches and you will have a tasty meal! But, before I share my recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup, let's talk about a saucepan you could use to make your soup. 

God's Great Love for You

I clearly love books and am always happy for the opportunity to review an excellent book - today is a very happy day as the book I'm writing about is excellent!

Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cooker!

Cuisinart sent me one of their 3-In-1 Cook Centrals so I could try it out so, today I want to tell you about the  Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central! This cooker allows you to brown the meat your are cooking before you switch to the slow-cook setting, so you can do it all with one cooker making it easier to cook and easier to clean up! I love how light-weight the cooker is and how it allows me to set the time based on my schedule and recipe! Easy to use, easy to clean and makes amazing food - what could be better???!!! 

just for fun - Today, July 5th, is National Graham Cracker Day & a Recipe for Ice Cream Pie!

Today is National Graham Cracker Day! All grandparents know about graham crackers . . . or at least that most grandchildren enjoy them! But what is the "history" of the graham cracker? I looked on-line and found the following . . . 

Review of FirstScope Telescope by Celestron

My grandsons love science. They love working on science projects and talking about sciency things. So, I contacted  Celestron and they sent me their FirstScope Telescope - a perfect first telescope - to send home with my grandsons and then let you know all about it. 

GSI Outdoors - Microlite 500 Flip, Vacuum Bottle Review

I thought I'd share an interesting stat with you today. Did you know in the USA we used about 50 billion plastic water bottles last year? Did you know on average 250 coffee drinks are sold each day at coffee drive-through businesses in the USA?