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. In Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren, along with sharing some of my "cute-grandson stories", I talk about important things for grandparents to think about and keep in mind as they focus on handing down a heritage of confident faith to their grandchildren.  Today I thought I'd share another "look" at the book with a short excerpt from my book . . . 

My Promise

My grandsons have 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! 

Book Review - Stay This Way Forever

I am very happy today to let you know about a book which is cute, sweet, and has a powerful message for the children you love - Stay This Way Forever by Linsey Davis and illustrated by Lucy Fleming - published by Zonderkidz.

The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

If you are looking for a new book to read this Fall or a gift to give to a parent or grandparent you love, consider this book - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith.

The Halloween Dilemma . . .

When it comes to Halloween, I have always felt a bit of a dilemma. As a child it was harmless. I dressed up as princess, a Japanese girl in a kimono, etc . . . simple  costumes with no focus on gore or evil. My siblings and I trick-or-treated to the neighbors' homes on our street and always felt like we really "scored" with our buckets of candy! After all, it was really all about the candy!!!

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Fall Bonsai Show is Almost Here!

It is almost here! The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Fall Bonsai Show on October 7th and 8th and before I let you know about all the amazing opportunities you will be able to enjoy I want to tell you the best part - the show is free for all! Yes, free for all!

Today is National Coffee Day!

Today is National Coffee Day! Clearly if there is something other than family worth celebrating, coffee would absolutely make it on the list! Daysoftheyear (dot) com says; "For many people, coffee is their reason for getting out of bed in the morning! It’s a morning treat, an afternoon pick me up, or even an evening drink to help stay awake. National Coffee Day pays heed to all of these and everything in between."

So, as we look at celebrating this most delicious of beverages, let's first learn some fun facts about coffee - did you know . . .

Make a Difference by Praying Through the Scriptures

Today I want to share with you about three books in the "Praying Deeper" series of books which will help parents and grandparents pray Scripture for their own walk with God and for the children they love as well - young, grown, and grandchildren!

You Have One More Chance to Visit the Glow Garden This Year!

Yes, you have one more opportunity to visit the Glow Garden at Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park - so mark your calendar for October 3, 2023 from 5:30-8:30, grab the people you love and expect to experience a wonderful time together!

So, what is the "glow garden"? Well, Meijer Gardens says . . . 

A Gift Idea from Christmas 2019 - Pilar Pocket Knife from CRKT

 

Over the years I have reviewed a number of items as gift ideas and with Christmas shopping about to take off, I thought I'd go back and pull a few of my past reviews to recommend again this year. If you are looking for gift ideas, consider this . . . 

If you are still looking for a great gift for a teen or adult grandchild/ son/daughter, take a look at this wonderful new pocket knife from CRKT.

Today is National Good Neighbor Day

Today is National Good Neighbor Day which, according to nationaltoday (dot) com, is a day where "we do fun activities to bond with our neighboring families. It’s a great way to break the ice and build long-lasting relationships for community development."

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!

grandma's Christmas ideas . . . Cuisinart Coffee on Demand!

 

Over the years I have reviewed a number of items as gift ideas and with Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd go back and pull a few of my past reviews to recommend again this year. If you are looking for gift ideas, consider this . . .  

Many, if not most, of the items in my Christmas Gift Reviews are certainly for children . . . toys, games, dolls, plush toys, puzzles, books, etc. But, there are a couple things which are for grandma - or grandpa, mom or dad! One of these things is the Cuisinart Coffee-on-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker!

Today is National Family Day

You are likely familiar with Mother's Day, Father's Day, Children's Day, and Grandparents Day, but do you know about National Family Day? Well, today is National Family Day and according to nationaltoday (dot) com it, "puts the spotlight on the people who make our lives meaningful. Families come in many forms and sizes and under different circumstances, but what they all share is unconditional love and support for those growing on the same family tree. From nuclear family units to extended clans, families can drive us crazy and make life worth living. Take some time today to appreciate the special folks in your life — give them a call, take them out to lunch, or send them a note to let them know you’re thinking of them!"

So before we look at what to do to celebrate your family, let's look at some fun facts about families, did you know . . .

How to Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Computer Coding

A few years ago I received a delivery of a book as my husband and I were headed out to pick up my grandsons from school. When my then eight-year old grandson got in the car, I held up the book for him to see. His eyes got very big, he smiled an enormous smile as he said; “Coding!!!” He happily accepted the book and spent the rest of the ride to our house (and most of the evening – until I told him it was time to put the book down and go to sleep at 10:39) reading this new book on coding.

"There are a LOT of 'Fives' in How Old You are, Grandma."

Nine years ago, on this day, my then six year old grandson told me . . . "There are a LOT of 'fives' in how old you are, grandma. Not that I'm saying you are old!!!" Apparently they were working on counting by fives at school.   Remembering this put a huge smile on my face today, so I had to share it with you!

Today is National Cooking Day!

On Nationaltoday (dot) com they say; "It can be easy to get in a rut of constantly ordering takeout, heating-up frozen meals, or settling for a dinner of apples and cheese. But if you want to feel truly nourished, nothing beats a home-cooked meal. It’s nice to slow down and enjoy the process of preparing your own food — and the joy of eating it! This is why we’re celebrating National Cooking Day on September 25. National Cooking Day encourages and inspires each of us to discover something new and enjoyable in the kitchen. It’s a time to learn a knew skill by preparing something delicious for loved ones — and ourselves. So put on your aprons and let’s get cooking!"

grandma's favorites - the Dremel Multi-Max

If you want to get a jump on your Christmas shopping and are looking for a gift for the guys - older, teen grandchildren, grown sons, and husbands - or handy people in your lives, consider the following. Dremel is known for making quality tools which have been well designed with attention given to the details. They have a multi-tasking tool which will give you what you need to repair, remodel or restore . . . the Multi-Max!

Jambo Books - I Highly Recommend These Books

I was invited to review a few books from Jambo Books, which I shared with you last week. Today I want to tell you about Jambo Books - it was started by Runako and Mijha, parents of two young girls. They "believe the stories we tell our kids matter, and from their youngest years, children learn who and what we value. We continually reinforce this conception with the stories we tell them and the characters in those stories.

Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cooker!

 

Over the years I have reviewed a number of items as gift ideas or for things to add to your own kitchen, so I thought I'd go back and pull a few of my past reviews to recommend again this year. If you are looking for gift ideas, consider this . . . 

Cuisinart sent me one of their 3-In-1 Cook Centrals so I could try it out and then write about it. So, today I want to tell you about the Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central -

grandma's chuckles - Out of the Mouths of Babes . . .

Don't you just love it when your sweet grandchildren say something profound?  Something which gets your attention and makes you wonder how they ever came up with what they said? Something which you, of course, had to share on facebook?!!! Something which makes you laugh each time it shows up in your "memories" and you think about it all over again?

Shenanigan Knife from CRKT - Absolutely a Great Gift Idea

CRKT sent me a knife which I am very happy to let you know about. If you are looking for a special gift for someone on your gift list who enjoys knives, then the Shenanigan is absolutely a great choice!

"Because My Grandma LOVES Them!"

I live on an acre, out in the country, in Michigan, in the farmhouse my grandparents built back in the 1920's. In my front and side yard are six very large maple trees. In my back yard, behind the double-stall garage is the most enormous maple tree I've ever seen - it reaches far above the roof of the garage and spans beyond the sides of the garage - on both sides! It is absolutely enormous! We also have one very, very tall sycamore tree, three birch trees and several other trees - including about a dozen pine trees.

Little Night/Nachecita - from Jambo Books!

Yesterday I wrote about Jambo Books and today I am very happy to let you know about another of their books - Little Night/ Nachecita by Yuyi Morales.

Today is World Gratitude Day

Today is World Gratitude Day - and regardless of the difficult things we may be facing, or the frustrating things, we still have much for which to be thankful and when we are, we make our day - and the day of all around us - better!

Bob, Not Bob! from Jambo Books

Yesterday I shared about a Jambo Book which is offered in their wonderful book clubs - today I am happy to let you know about the another of their books - Bob, Not Bob! written and illustrated by  Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell.

New Glasses from Zenni

Many of us wear glasses. I do. Each year after my yearly dr visit, I returned home to order my new glasses on-line from Zenni. If you have never heard of Zenni before and you or anyone in your family wears glasses, please take a minute to check their site zennioptical.com  as they have some of the most wonderful designs, styles, and options at prices you will not believe!

No-Bake Cookies

Did you know 86% of grandmas bake cookies? Are you part of the 86%? If so,  what are your grandchildren's favorite cookies?

While I have many recipes for baking cookies, I do have one no-bake recipe . . . which I'm sharing with you today . . . 

Wonderful Me - I Love All of Me - from Jambo Books

Jambo Books sent me several of their books for review a couple years ago and today I am happy to let you know about one of these books . . . a beautiful padded board book by Lorie-Ann Grover, Illustrated by Carolina Buxio - I Love all of me!

Talk Like a Pirate Day Fun for 2023

Today, September 19th, is, "Talk Like a Pirate Day" and not only are you able to have fun talking like a pirate, if you dress and talk like a pirate, there are some freebies out there which are available for you to claim. Sounds like a winning combination forrrrrrrrr sure! (Notice my, "pirate 'rrrrrrrrr'!!!")

grandma's chuckles - "No Cows Have Licked My Head!!!"

There are many "perks" to being grandma . . . hugs, kisses, snuggles . . . all wonderful "perks"! But another is enjoying the funny things the grandchildren say. I want to share with you something funny my youngest grandson said a few years ago. 

It Just Takes a Few, Simple Words

 

One time, a few years ago, when my grandsons were at my house, my then six-year-old grandson was talking when I told him something which had a huge impact on him. I looked at him and said; “Do you know why I know God loves me?”

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.) 

Today is Rice Krispies Treats Day

Today is Rice Krispies Treats Day - a tasty day to celebrate for sure! While we tend to think of these treats as a snack for children, a little creativity allows you to turn them into a snack for anyone! Consider using a different cereal, or add nuts, or chocolate, sprinkles, or M&M's, or ???

Book Review - Dog Man Grime & Punishment

When my youngest grandson was in First Grade he was not a fan of reading. He was absolutely certain he would never read unless he had to do so for school. In fact, I have heard, more than once, he hated reading! This is until he walked into my house a few years ago for his virtual school with grandma (during covid) while his parents were at work, and saw the new Dog Man book sitting on my table. He picked it up, started reading, and spent every break, reading - he read the first six chapters and told me, I "I actually do love reading!" Today I am extremely happy to let you know about this book!

A Grandma's "Job"

When I think about the role of grandma, I do believe it is essential for me to become a ‘student’ of my grandchildren. It is my job, my ‘role’ to get to know them and what makes them tick.

This matters so much, for several reasons. Consider the following . . .

Today is World Manta Day!

Swimming through the oceans on Earth are a most amazing animal - Batoids. One type of batoid is the Manta and today is World Manta Day so I am happy to share with you some fun information about these wonderful creatures! Did you know . . .

Book Review - The World is Awake for Little Ones

A while back I received an absolutely lovely board book for children ages four to eight by Lindsey Davis from Zonderkidz - The World is Awake for Little Ones. Today I am very happy to let you know about it.

grandma's chuckles - God Can't Get to Heaven in a Rocket!

Don't you just love a child's view of God?!!! They have the most profound questions! I remember ten years ago when my then four year old grandson and I were talking before bed and I told him how God loved him sooo much He even had his name written on His hand! My grandson told me his full name, then said; "My name is a big name, but God's hand is big! His hand is big enough for my name!" The smile of delight on his face made my heart so happy!

Today is International Red Panda Day

Last month when my husband, grandsons, and I visited John Ball Zoo, one of our favorite animals we saw was the Red Panda. Today is International Red Panda Day, so I am very happy to write about these wonderful animals today!

When I was a child I had never heard of Red Pandas - I knew what Giant Pandas were, but not Red Pandas. However; Red Pandas were "discovered" in 1825 - fifty years before the more common Giant Pandas, making Red Pandas the "first" and "original" panda. Let's learn some more fun facts about the wonderful Red Panda - did you know . . .

Today is Make a Hat Day - So Let's Make Shark Hats!

Today is Make a Hat Day, so I thought I'd share with you today about the shark hats I made several years ago for my grandsons for Christmas. I thought they looked like a fun hat for them to wear - and they were!

Do NOT Open This Book!

A few years ago Scholastic Books sent me a book for review - and it has become one of my personal favorites - it is, Do NOT Open This Book! How fun of a title for a book is this! My grandsons enjoyed the book a lot, too, so I want to share it with you today - the children you love will enjoy it as well.

Keep The Most important in Focus

I have been truly blessed with three fantastic boys as my grandsons! I love everything  about being their grandma and there are many things I do with and want my grandsons to know, but among all these things, it is very important for me to keep my focus on the most important thing of all . . . passing on a heritage of confident faith to these three boys.

"Thank You, God, for our World, so we do not Float Away!"

Today I am remembering a number of years ago when I was getting my then five year old grandson into bed he wanted to pray to thank God for his day. He said, "Thank You God for Caleb, Shane, Mom, Dad, Poppa, and Grandma and thank You for loving us! Amen."

It is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

As they wrote on daysoftheyear.com, "There is one thing in the world all of us can agree shouldn’t exist, and this is the Child Oncology Ward in any hospital, anywhere. But living with cancer is a reality faced by thousands of children all over the US. National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us this is an ever-growing epidemic, and with the combined efforts of us all, there is something which can be done to prevent this horrible disease." 

2023 Great Cycle Challenge

My son loves riding his bike and he uses this activity to help others. One way he does this is by participating in the Great Cycle Challenge to Kick Cancer's Butt and fight children's cancer. Today I'm asking you to consider giving money to help him reach his goal - even a small amount is helpful - especially today as every gift is doubled today! This is what my son has to say about it - 

just for fun - Kids Take Over the Kitchen and Peanut Day!

Today - September 13th - is Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day and Peanut Day, so it seems like a great day to grab the children you love and make peanut butter chocolate chip cookie with them!

Today is International Chocolate Day!

Today is International Chocolate Day - while we certainly do not need a special day to celebrate and enjoy chocolate - as any day is a great day to do so - since there is an "International Chocolate Day", why not celebrate and enjoy it! I found some information about this tasty day and chocolate on line and thought I'd share some of it with you . . .  

Duck! - Book Review

 

There are many excellent storybooks available for children to enjoy - the one I'm "re-sharing" with you today was sent to me a few years ago by Candlewick Press and I am extremely happy to to remind you of it again today! It is absolutely a book you will want to have in your own library - and give to your grandchildren as well.