Christmas Resources Which Make a Difference - the Single Parent Confident & Successful

 

Today I am happy to recommend a book written by a dear friend for you to consider adding to your own intentional grandparenting resource "tool kit" and for you to give as a gift for Christmas to the ones you love. Today's book, the single parent: confident and successful is written by Linda Ranson Jacobs and while it was specifically written for single parents/grandparents, it is filled with wisdom about handing down confident faith making the single parent: confident and successful a great gift for any and all parents and grandparents - single or not.

Give the Best Christmas Gift - the Alevo Alu

 

Christmas is less than two months away and many of us are thinking about the gifts we want to give to the ones we love. If you have someone on your list who due to health issues or age need a bit of help to get out and about with security and stability, then the Alevo Alu Rollator is the perfect gift to give them this Christmas!

Hand Down Confident Faith - Remember & Be Thankful

I enjoy it very much when my grandsons go on vacation with their parents - the photos from their week exploring new places bring such happiness to my heart! I love being able to see their faces reflect their joy at accomplishing a physical feat (such as climbing to the top of an almost-mountain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and being able to see all the way to Lake Superior), or exploring in amazing caves in Ohio, or kayaking, or whatever it is they did wherever it is they went. I know the memories they have of these trips will bring them joy as well.

Christmas Resources Which Make a Difference - Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren

  

Christmas is less than two months away, so today I am very happy to share with you a book which makes an excellent addition to your intentional grandparenting "tool box" as well as a great Christmas gift for the parents, grandparents and church leaders you know. Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren is written by me, Lynda Freeman.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

My grandsons enjoy cookies, but one of their favorites is chocolate chip, peanut  butter cookies. When they were younger it was not unusual for them to go straight to the cookie jar when they arrived at my house - which was typically followed with very happy smiles on their faces!

Leave a Legacy

Legacy. If we think about it, we are all likely to want to leave a positive and lasting legacy to the generations who come behind us. We likely want our legacy to be one upon which future generations are able to look back and see a life lived in a way which made a difference. A legacy of confident faith, which was faithfully handed from our generation to the following generations.

Please Help Shane Reach His Goal - Thank You!

I am a grandma and I have three grandsons. My youngest grandson is in Cub Scouts and is selling popcorn. He is just $62.00 from his goal of selling $2000.00 of popcorn this year - might you be willing to help him? He says if you do, you will be helping him, and getting a tasty treat for yourself - a wonderful thing for everyone!

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! 

grandma's cookbook . . . Cherry Jam Thumbprint Cookies!

If you enjoy baking cookies with your grandchildren and want to try a recipe which you may not typically make, consider this recipe for Cherry Jam Thumbprint Cookies (I found it at this link and "tweaked" it just a bit) . . . 

Christmas Gifts Which Make a Difference - the little answer book & the little answer book for children

Today I am happy to let you know about two more books which you could add to your gift list for the adults and children you love - the little answer book and the little answer book for children.

The "Role" of Grandma - Become a "Student" of Your Grandchildren

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".

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.

November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month!

It is almost November and November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, so since I am a person who loves peanut  butter and I think celebrating this wonderful creation is something well worth doing, I thought I'd give you a "heads-up" and let you know now about National Peanut Butter Lovers Month so you are able to plan lots of ways to celebrate it! I visited the Peanut Butter Lovers website and found their top five ways to celebrate this wonderful month and thought I'd share them with you!

Give the Gift of a Family Membership to the Zoo this Christmas

It won't be long before we will be celebrating Christmas, so, if you are looking for a gift idea which will make it possible for you to give a gift to the ones you love which they will love, but which does not rely upon being able to find things in a store (or on-line), consider a more "non-traditional" gift such as, a family membership/pass to your local zoo.

What Do Your Grands Call You?

What do your grandchildren call you? Are you, Grandma, Nana, Memaw, or something entirely unique? A friend told me his grandchildren called their grandma, "G-Money" - they didn't know why, and a reader once told me when her grandchildren were little they called her, "Dave" - again, no one knew why! When my grandsons were little they called me, “Ga” - I loved being “Ga”! Now they call me, Grandma or Grandmother and I love them, too!

Try Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

When we trust God, we are steadfast and are able to experience His perfect peace. This is certainly what we want for the ones we love; at all times, but especially now with the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and the uncertainties of day-to-day life in 2023. Our grandchildren (and/or young children) may especially feel fear as they see and hear about the things going on in this world.

50 Feet in 45 Seconds!

My middle grandson (12 years old) loves to ride his bike in races in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bowl, play in chess tournaments, learn more in his jiu-jitsu, and he LOVES to climb. Two years ago when he was only 10, he climbed this 50 foot tower at Boy Scout camp in 45 seconds - yes, 45 seconds! I don't know how it is even possible to move this fast in a climb, but he did - he is the little figure in the photo at the top of the tower.

Live an Extraordinary Life & Impact Those Who Come Behind You

What does it mean to "live an extraordinary life"? Does this mean you have to do "big" things and be known by many? Does what we say and do matter to the generations which come behind us? A few years ago I learned some interesting and wonderful things about my great grandpa Badgerow. He was orphaned the day before his 11th birthday, raised by his sisters, finished the 8th grade and became a small business man - had a grocery store/gas station in the town in which he lived. When the banks were seized by the state of Michigan and ended up taking half of depositor's money in the '30's, he could have lost heart and quit in despair, but he didn't. He extended credit to families and let them get food from his store when they didn't have the money to pay for the food. Years later when he died (at 96 years old) a man came to his funeral and said my great grandpa saved his family's lives by giving them food when they needed it.

A Family of Her Own for Candy

The summer of 2022 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.) 

Eden's Garden Essential Oils

I tend to be a fairly skeptical person when it comes to things like essential oils, but a friend once shared how essential oils made a huge difference in the life of their son with serious medical issues. Since I have MS and asthma, I thought I'd look on-line to see if essential oils might be helpful. Today I'm delighted to share with you how oils may be used by you and the ones you love as well . . . and please know, the company I'm recommending is not a multi-level marketing company.

Get Your Copy of The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

I have been writing about my picture book for children - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures! and today want to let you know about the second story in this book - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys & Their Not-So-Peculiar, Scary, or Terrifying Discovery! 

"Don't be afraid grandma. Just think of dogs and us instead."

One thing we always do with the children we love from the time they are born is comfort them, encourage them, show love and kindness to them. As they grow up we are able to see how they took this comfort, encouragement, love, and kindness they received and incorporate it into the way they respond to others. Today I want to share with you one of the times I was able to see and experience this with my grandsons.

Gift Ideas from USAopoly

Christmas is just two months and one day away, so if you are thinking about getting the children you love something special consider these fun games from USAopoly!

Make Anytime Funtime with The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

 

If you have young children in your life, then you know how important it is to read books to them - it sets them up for a lifetime of learning - and it is just fantastic to snuggle together and read a book together at bedtime - or anytime! I read many books to my children and most recently to my grandsons when they were little, and we enjoyed making up our own stories, too!

Those Little Everyday Blessings

As grandparents we know how important it is to be intentional when it comes to blessing our grandchildren. Perhaps, like me, you have been looking for a Scripture passage which you will be able to use to bless your grandchildren on a regular basis. This is an important thing for us to do.

Today is International Snow Leopard Day!

Leopards are a very cool big cat with their spots and great strength, but the Snow Leopard is actually not a leopard - it is more closely related to tigers when you look at their genes. Surprised to read this? I was! So, since today is International Snow Leopard Day, let's take a look at more info about these amazing animals - did you know . . . 

He is Darth Vader. I can NOT hug him!

Don't you just love it when your grandchildren show their imagination? Well, seven years ago when my youngest grandson was three, he looked at his Poppa and said; "I'm Kenobi, Kenobi." Then ran at him to attack! Apparently Kenobi, Kenobi (Obi Wan Kenobi) decided Poppa was Darth Vadar and had to attack him! Kenobi, Kenobi did very well - defeated Darth Vadar. I asked him if Poppa might be tired (after about 20 minutes of running full bore at poppa, arms - light sabers - flailing) and maybe he was in need of a hug. To which he said (rather indignantly) "He is NOT Poppa. He is Darth Vadar. I can NOT hug him!" Of course he can not!

Operation Frog Effect

I was invited several years ago to review a book for children - Operation Frog Effect which I want to share with you again today. It arrived and was sitting on my sofa when my grandsons came over. My oldest grandson who was then ten years old saw it and started reading it, so today, in my review, I'm very happy to share with you his opinion of  Operation Frog Effect as well.

Today is Wombat Day!

Living in the forests and mountain regions of southeastern Australia and Tasmania is an endangered animal which likes to dig tunnels. It is known as the Wombat and today is the day to celebrate it, so let's learn some fun facts about this unique animal. Did you know . . . 

Fun Facts & a Recipe for National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

A few years ago my son and family gave me an instant pot for Christmas. Since it didn't explode the first time I used it (I was afraid it would) I have since found I love cooking with it and have even used it to make cheesecake! Now, I personally do not enjoy cheesecake, but most of my family loves it, so from time to time I make one - since it is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, it seems like it may be the day to do so!

Before I share a recipe for Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake, I thought it would be fun to share some fun pumpkin facts. Did you know - 

Popcorn!

I am blessed to have my three grandsons at my house for a sleepover nearly every weekend. They have come all their lives and now the oldest one is 15 I know how very blessed I am because he and his younger brothers still want to come over each weekend! When they are here my oldest usually asks for popcorn - in such a polite way! I of course am very happy to make it for him - and his brothers. I am writing today about the popcorn popper I love to use because I highly recommend it.

grandma's chuckles - "You Have to Be Brave to Be a Super-Hero"

When my oldest, sweet grandson was four years old he was really into Super Heroes! He LOVED the VeggieTales movie, The League of Incredible Vegetables  and he LOVED his Super Cape. He often "flied" around my house singing, "♫♥♪ Super me is here ♫♥♪ to save the day! ♫♥♪" When he was just four he told me he just pretends to be a Super Hero, but when he grew up he would be a Super Hero for real! Did I mention he had a "super" imagination? (Still does!)

Hand Down Confident Faith & Connect with the Children You Love

If you have been reading grandma's cookie jar for very long, you know passing on a heritage of confident faith to my grandsons is something I care very, very much about. I want my grandsons to grow to be boys, then teens, and one day young men who love, know, and walk with God, faithfully, with all their heart.

UNO Dare & Leave Them Laughing

A couple years ago my husband, myself, and our grandsons were introduced to a "new" game; UNO Dare. The "Uno" part of it was not new, but the "Dare" part was . . . and is absolutely a lot of fun!

You play the game the same way as Uno, except when you are given a "draw" card, you are able to choose to instead do a "dare". These dares are so much fun . . . do the chicken dance, talk like a pirate, walk like a robot, hold absolutely still until your next turn, say "hip-pity hop" at the end of every sentence until your next turn, etc. The dares leave you - and everyone with whom you are playing - laughing, a lot, and puts so much additional fun into the game of Uno.

It is International Sloth Day!

Facts(dot)net tells us, "The slowest animal on the planet is native in Latin America  rainforests where they spend their days sleeping and hanging upside down on trees. But there is so much more to discover about sloths than just being couch potato gods in the modern world. Get ready to see these sloth facts you most probably did not know . . ."

Fun Science Project

My grandsons love science projects . . . one reason I included science projects in my curriculum - Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! They are such engaging, "hands-on" and memorable ways to help my grandsons learn important things. So, I am always on the watch for new projects which I can try with my grandsons.

grandma's chuckles . . . Poppa is Great, but the Pilot is Necessary!

Twelve years ago friends from my church hosted an event for our Sunday school class which included airplane rides. I ended up staying home with our younger grandson - we forgot to get his car seat, but my husband was able to go for awhile with our older grandson. Being three, years old he wanted his poppa to go up in the airplane with him. While the pilot was getting ready to start the plane he was joking around by saying he wasn't a pilot, but he was sure he could figure out how to fly the plane. My grandson gave this some thought then said, "Poppa, maybe it would be a good idea if you get out of the plane, so the pilot can get in your spot!" (He didn't ask to get out himself - just thought a pilot would be a good idea). Of course his poppa told him our friend was really a pilot and was just joking around, so then our grandson was ready to fly! 

Scrabble World of Harry Potter Board Game

Christmas is just a couple months away, but if you are looking for a gift for someone on your list, consider this special twist to an old classic game - Scrabble World of Harry Potter Board Game.  USAopoly sent me one to review and if you have a family member who is a fan of Harry Potter, this is a game they will enjoy for sure.

Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

As Christian grandmas (and grandpas/ parents, too) we want to hand down the faith. We want the ones we love to learn to read God's word, learn to pray, learn how to develop their own walk with God, but often we wonder how to do this. We look for resources to help us and happily, now there are many available for us (just scroll down and look at the right side of this blog to see the resources which are available or look in our bookstore.) Today I am very happy to let you know about Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children   which is unique in how it is written/designed as a tool for you to use with the children you love.

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?”

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 did hear, more than once, he hated reading! This was until he walked into my house one day during covid for his virtual school with grandma 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 actually do love reading!" Today I am extremely happy to let you know about this book - especially if you have a boy in your life who does NOT like reading!

crafting with grandma - Polka-Dot Purse!

If you have been reading grandma's cookie jar for awhile, you have likely noticed I crochet a bit from time to time! I made a purse . . . this one with Polka-Dots . . . they seemed like a fun way to give a purse a unique and cheerful look!

grandma's cookie jar is on Instagram

If you are on Instagram, please take a moment to follow grandma's cookie jar - https://www.instagram.com/lyndagcj/ Thank you!

the little answer book - Now on Sale!

I am very happy today to let you know my book - the little answer book - is now on sale on  Amazon! It is also in our bookstore as a digital copy and at a special price for churches who get it to use with the parents/ grandparents in their church.

As I say in my book, I am not a scientist. I am not a theologian. I am not a philosopher. I am not an apologist. I am a mom and I am a grandma. I have listened as friends have shared how their loved grown child and/or grandchild turned away from their faith. I know this is a pain more and more parents and grandparents are experiencing (as shown by the Barna studies). We must not sit back and continue to watch as the ones we love turn away from their faith.

crafting with grandma - Fingerprint Snowman Ornament!

I know it feels like Christmas is a ways away since it still October but in just two months, Christmas will only be days away! So, if you are looking for an idea for an ornament which your grandchildren can actually make, look at this great idea I found for making an ornament using your grandchildren's fingerprints to make snowpeople!

Give the Best Christmas Gift - the Alevo Alu

  

Christmas is two months away and many of us are thinking about the gifts we want to give to the ones we love. If you have someone on your list who due to health issues or age need a bit of help to get out and about with security and stability, then the Alevo Alu Rollator is the perfect gift to give them this Christmas!

grandma's cookbook . . . Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread!

If you are looking for a recipe which is the perfect way to start a chilly Fall morning, this is likely to be it, as it is one of the most amazing recipes for cinnamon bread ever . . . cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread! This is going to find it's way to a table in front of my family very, very soon . . . I'm sure your family would be delighted to find it on a table in front of them very, very soon, too! :^)

Hand Down Confident Faith with the little answer book for children & It Is Now on Sale!

I want you to know about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? 

Feed-back on the Centuro Mini

In the past four months I have posted a couple times about the Centuro Mini from Bischoff & Bischoff (one of Europe's largest manufacturers of rollators and mobility scooters.) I wrote how I was impressed with the design, quality, and attention to detail in the Centuro Mini. Today I want to write again, but this time about the response I am getting from people when I go out and about with the Centuro Mini.