grandma's cookie jar: January 2024

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

just for fun . . . !yaD sdrawkcaB si tI (It is Backwards Day!)

Yes, today is truly, "just for fun" because it is Backwards Day! "Backward Day is a day to do everything backwards. Use your imagination, and Backward Day can be lots of fun. It's especially popular with school aged kids. Try writing backwards or reading backwards. Wear your shirt with the back in the front. Eat your meal, starting with dessert. Now this is what I call fun! Walk backwards, or talk backwards. Play a board game backwards, from the finish line to the start. Are you starting to get the picture!? This day is limited only by your imagination."

I love learning about interesting animal facts. There are so many amazing animals in our world and they tend to have surprising, interesting, and sometimes completely unexpected facts which go with them. For example, did you know . . .

For nearly a week I've been posting about a new game - Trio - you will find my main post at this link. Trio is a game your whole family will love playing and you are able to be in a drawing to win one Trio game!

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 letting you know about a book I wrote . . . Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren In this book, 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. I talk about -

Yes! Since tomorrow is National Hot Chocolate Day, I thought I'd give you a "heads up", so you have time to get the things you need to celebrate - milk, chocolate, whipped cream - all essentials! So, today along with letting you know about this wonderful day, I thought I'd share some fun facts about Hot Chocolate - did you know . . .

I enjoy getting a new purse. I enjoy crocheting. I enjoy an eclectic "sense" of things matching or going together, yet not matching (for example, my dishes match because they are all Fiesta Square Plates, but they do not match because they each are different colors!) I enjoy a sense of "whimsy" and "fun"! So . . . when I was browsing on Pinterest and saw a purse which fit all these things, I was inspired to try and make one of my own!!!

crafting with grandma - It Is National Puzzle Day January 29th - Let's Make Puzzle Crafts!

While I was never a huge "fan" of assembling puzzles, I LOVE crafts with puzzle pieces! Not only are puzzle crafts interesting and unique, but they tend to be inexpensive as most of us have puzzles in our closets which are missing at least a piece or two . . . or they can be purchased at garage sales for typically less than a dollar!

You are able to do so many wonderful things with puzzle pieces . . . just look at some of the fun ideas I found on Pinterest . . .

If you live in Kansas, or just enjoy learning about the different States in our Country, well, today is Kansas Day - the day to celebrate the admission of Kansas State as the 34th member of the United States in 1861! I'm going to start this post with some of the silly laws in Kansas - get ready to laugh - did you know . . .

Bible Maze Journey Books are Now Available as Kindle ebooks!

Part of effective Children's Ministry involves planning events which will engage the entire family, but doing this is often challenging. If your church is looking for ideas to help them connect and engage families in your church and community, please share this post with them and ask them to consider getting a Bible Maze Journey book - they are now available as kindle ebooks!

Nearly every Saturday our grandsons come over so they can spend the night! Sunday morning I fix breakfast . . . they usually choose sausage, bacon, eggs, waffles, and coffee! Sometimes, the boys choose blueberry pancakes, so since today is Blueberry Pancake Day, I thought I'd share my pancake recipe with you!

Valentine's Day is getting closer, so I thought I'd share with you an idea I found on Pinterest for sharing love with people you love - a countdown to Valentine's Day! It could easily be "tweaked" for you to use with your grandchildren . . . for example, on Day 14 the "tag" says, "You make my heart "bubble" over!" and the item you attach it to is supposed to be a bottle of sparkling cider. They give suggestions of also using any carbonated beverage, Bubble Tape, or Bubble Yum, but I'd use a bottle of bubbles!

Focused & Intentional Grandparenting with Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith!

What kind of grandparent are you? Do you enjoy being a grandparent and are happy to be past the child-rearing stage? Do you enjoy spending time with your grandchildren and make time to do things with them? Are you focused and active in passing on a heritage of confident faith to your grandchildren? What kind of grandparent are you?

Yesterday I announced a fun giveaway for the new game, Trio. If you would like to be in the drawing for this game on February 2, 2024, then you need to comment on this post or on my post from yesterday - at this link. See, it is VERY easy to be in the drawing for Trio - you just have to live in the USA, be 18 or older, and comment on the post - if you comment on both, you will receive two entries!

I am extremely happy to say today is Chocolate Cake Day! Here in Michigan it is a rainy day - it has been very cold and snowy for a couple weeks, but today will be in the 40's and rainy, so what could be a better way to brighten a grey, dreary, cloudy, rainy day, than with a piece of chocolate cake?!!! Even if it was not Chocolate Cake Day, it would still be a great way to brighten this day . . . but it is!!! So, let's celebrate!

I am blessed to live in West Michigan - the home of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From time to time I post about it here on grandma's cookie jar - for good reason . . . it is an amazing place! Last year my husband I and got a Grandparents & Guest Membership - we are able to go as often as we like, bring our grandsons, and a guest with us - which is something we have done a lot - nearly every week - over the past year! It is almost time for us to renew our membership and we are absolutely doing so!

The Relief for Grief - Available on Amazon

The past few years have brought blessings into our lives for sure, but many have experienced loss as well. Loss is a normal part of our lives. When we experience loss, we experience grief. It is important for us to work through grief, and while there are tools available to help us do this, today I am happy to let you know about a book which is available to help you do exactly this.

If you are a person who enjoys playing games, then I have very happy news for you today . . . there is a new company in the world of games and it has released their first game! Happy Camper is the company and Trio is the game and this is a game you are going to love! Today I am very happy to let you know about some of the things which most impressed me when I received a Trio game to review and then I am going to let you know about a special giveaway . . . yes, as I said, I have very happy news for you today! First of all, the things which most impressed me about Trio . . .

Yesterday, January 25th was, Observe the Weather Day . . . I know, if you live in Michigan - or in most of the East half of the country - the weather is something you may rather not observe! We just had two weeks of lots of cold and snow, but now it is warm (36 is warm in January in Michigan) and the snow is melting . . . observing it is not particularly enjoyable. However; it is winter and winter is typically cold and snowy, so I suppose it is doing what it should be.

Praying Deeper Through the Scriptures for You & the Parents & Grandparents You Love

Over the past few years I have written several books which guide parents and grandparents in praying through the Scriptures for their own walk with God and for their children/ grandchildren's walk as well. I led the G@P (Generations at Prayer) group at my church and we worked through my books, so last year I wrote a new book for my group to use with a focus on praying both Old and New Testament passages for the children we love who are walking with God and those who are not. Praying Deeper Through the Scriptures is available in paperback and makes a fantastic gift for the parents and grandparents you love!

My "Best" "Grandma Advice"

Today I'm remembering eleven years ago when I had the joy of celebrating my oldest grandson's 4th birthday! He got to pick the menu . . . chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and fries . . . his momma brought the cake . . . white cake with cream cheese frosting and lots of sprinkles . . . and of course, he got to open gifts! It was sooo much fun!

Yes, today is National Florida Day, so if you - or someone you love lives in Florida, this is the day to celebrate! According to Nationaltoday dot com, this "the day was established to recognize Florida’s arrival as the 27th state in the union of the U.S." So, to celebrate National Florida Day, let's learn about some of their silly laws and interesting history. Did you know . . .

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 2024. Our grandchildren (and/or young children) may especially feel fear as they see and hear about the things going on in this world.

If ever there was a time to help them learn to be people who talk with God, this is it. So, to help you with this, I and my grandsons want you to know about our book, Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children. Look what people are saying about this book -

There are no shortage of strange animals in the world, but even some of the most familiar have strange things about them which are not necessarily common knowledge. So, today I thought I'd share a few of the funny, strange, but true facts about common animals. For example, did you know . . .

I LOVE peanut butter! It is one of my favorite foods for sure! So, when I saw on daysoftheyear (dot) com, today is National Peanut Butter Day, well, I had to let you know so you can celebrate it as well! They said, "Who doesn’t love peanut butter? So let’s celebrate Peanut Butter Day. This auspicious occasion was created many years ago, to allow peanut butter lovers to celebrate the creation of this wonderful food.

Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Grandparents & Parents, Too!

Yesterday I wrote about my book, Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament for Grandparents & Parents, Too! - and shared endorsements from several people. Today I want to let you know about another book which will help you pray deeper for the ones you love - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Grandparents & Parents, Too! This book will guide you through 52 weeks of praying through the Psalms for your own walk with God and for the ones you love as well. It is an excellent tool for you to use to help you in your walk and makes a great gift for the parents and grandparents you know.

Mmmmmm! Pie Day! I'm all for this day; after all, what isn't there to absolutely LOVE about pie??!!! Sweet pies or savory pot pies . . . in my opinion, it is difficult to go wrong with pie!!!

Just for fun, I thought I'd "search" the web to look for any Pie Day fun facts and found a few . . .

If you are looking for something fun, useful and educational which you could do with your grandchildren, consider teaching them American Sign Language. Sound interesting? It is really pretty simple to do if you just take one or two words or a sentence at at time.

Resources to Help You Pass on Your Faith - Deeper In - Praying the Scriptures for the Children You Love

Today I want to share two books with you which you could use to help you pass faith to your grandchildren. I'm happy to let you know about Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament - the goals of this book are . . .

Yes, again if you live in Poland, today is Grandpa Day! But, whether you live in Poland or not, it is a great day to stop and be thankful for your grandpa for sure! So, since we enjoyed some quotes about grandmas yesterday on Grandma Day, I thought I'd share some quotes about grandpas with you today . . .

just for fun! Hippos and Mustaches!

I thought it would be fun to share some odd, funny, and unbelievable facts with you which you are then able to share with your grandchildren!!! If you know an odd, funny or unbelievable fact to share with us - please do!!! I think it will be fun to learn all these "facts" . . . and then share them with our grandchildren!

Learn About Your "Faith & Prayer DNA"

Our DNA is a truly amazing and essential part of who we are, as it holds the "code" or instructions for the things which make us unique as well as for the things we share. It connects us with the generations who came before us; as well as with those who come behind. It is the core of who we are physically.

Yes, our physical DNA tells our cells and bodies how to Develop, Live and Reproduce, but let's think for a moment about another type of "DNA". A Spiritual DNA. More specifically, our "Faith and Prayer DNA". What are a, "Faith and Prayer DNA" you ask? Well, just as our physical DNA provides the code for how our bodies develop, live and reproduce, our "Faith and Prayer DNA" gives us the code or instructions which help us learn to develop a strong walk of faith, live as people who believe and reproduce by handing down to our children and our children's children a strong, confident and healthy walk of faith.

Today is World Snow Day and with all the snow we have received the past two weeks, there is no shortage of it outside for my grandsons to use to celebrate World Snow Day. This day was started by the International Ski Federation, but whether you want to ski or not, the purpose works for everyone - if you have snow. They say, "The purpose of World Snow Day is to encourage families to make lasting memories with their children, as well as to offer opportunities for children to have experiences with winter sports like snowboarding and skiing."

What might you do to celebrate World Snow Day? Consider the following . . .

Today is Grandmother's Day - at least if you live in Poland. If you live in France, they celebrate their grandmas the first Sunday in March. Here in the US, grandmas are typically celebrated with grandpas on Grandparent's Day which is the Sunday following Labor Day, but a day to celebrate grandmas is not a bad idea! So, since we grandmas do make a difference, I thought it would be fun to look at some quotes about grandmas . . .

Two Books for the Children You Love

Over the past few months I have shared with you my new books for children - A Family of Her Own for Candy and The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures! - today I am so happy to let you know both books are now available as Kindle ebooks - and are still available in print books as well.

Christmas and New Years Day are past and the next "big" holiday is Valentines Day, so I thought I'd share some fun Valentines Day crafts with you! I love "window clings" which made these wonderful hearts I found on Pinterest seem like a great place to start!

Now this is a holiday for grandmas for sure! National Hugging Day!!! I LOVE this one! I looked on-line at punchbowl (dot) com and found the following information about National Hugging Day; "Today is National Hugging Day! Whether you prefer Bear Hugs, Heart-to-Heart Hugs, Cheek Hugs, or Side Hugs, embrace your loved ones today to show your love and affection.

Yes! illustrate my own Books ARE for You & the Children You Love

The New Year has begun, so if you are looking for something fun you could give the children you love as a gift, consider getting some of the books from the illustrate my own series along with crayons, markers, and/or colored pencils. All of them are fun books which will uniquely engage the children you love in ways they have never engaged before with the accounts of Bible heroes. As they (and you) illustrate their books, they will think about what is happening, the things the Bible people said and did, and how God showed His love and grace to the Bible people . . . which will help the children you love better understand how God shows His love and grace to them as well!

WooHoo!!! This is a day I am happy to celebrate for sure as I am a definite "fan" of popcorn! While there is debate and confusion as to who actually began this "holiday", I for one am one who is most willing to celebrate it!

I found the following ideas for ways to celebrate Popcorn Day on Popcorn.com . . .

As I've mentioned a time or two, I live in Michigan - otherwise known as the "Frozen North"! I've never been a person who enjoyed the cold; being warm is so very much more pleasant! But, the other day when I was browsing on Pinterest I found an idea for something really cool which you could do with your grandchildren in the cold . . . make frozen bubbles!

Make a Difference with illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books

You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants me to Know book series - The Lost Lamb, The Woman at the Well, The Man with Leprosy, The Good Samaritan, The Pharisee & the Tax Collector, The Two Builders, and Martha & Mary so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

Today is National Michigan Day and since I was born, raised, and live in Michigan, I thought it would be fun to learn about some silly laws in this State as well as some very interesting facts about Michigan as well. Let's start with the silly laws - did you know . . .

Heritage

When I was a child I looked forward to visiting my grandparents; and especially to sleep-overs! I have many wonderful memories of riding in my grandpa's car on the way to their house in the country for a sleep-over (they lived about six miles from my home in a small, "Norman Rockwell-town"). My grandpa always asked me to sing my Sunday school songs in the car on the way to his house . . . and I sang them at the top of my lungs! (It always embarrassed my older sister when I sang like this in Sunday school, but my grandpa loved to hear me sing - which amazed and delighted me!)

I remember the aroma of fresh-baked bread in my grandma's kitchen . . . and being given a fresh-from-the-oven slice of bread with Peter Pan Peanut butter on it . . . is there possibly a better, or tastier treat???!!!

Give the Gift of Understanding & Creativity with illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series

You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah (otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego), Ruth, Joshua, Caleb, David, Elijah, Jonah, Daniel, Joseph, Hadassah (Esther), and Gideon so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

In my family we have people who love coffee. Did I write, "love"? I should have put people who "LOVE" coffee! Yes, coffee is enjoyed in my family for sure so a day to celebrate gourmet coffee (the type we drink) seems like something we must celebrate - although every day is absolutely a day to celebrate gourmet coffee!

I thought it would be fun to look up some gourmet coffee fun facts - did you know . . .

Where I live in Michigan the past week has been a snowy and cold one! While any time is a great time for Homemade Bread whenever it is cold and snowy outside it is absolutely a great time for homemade bread.

I have fond memories of my grandma Bristol making and baking homemade bread . . . in the very house where I now live! I remember her giving me a fresh-from-the-oven slice of homemade bread with butter and Peter Pan Peanut Butter on it! "Yum" doesn't even come remotely close!

So, today I want to share with you a recipe which you can make for Butternut Squash Oat Bread! It is not only tasty with a beautiful, golden color, but it is also, healthy!

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!

Yesterday I saw a post on facebook about a waterballoon igloo, so today I had to share this idea with you! You will find photos of it and information about it at this link, but I think it looks like you take your waterballoons, let them freeze, then layer them by putting snow around them as you build.

Now we all know while there are some actual dragons in our world, such as the Blue Dragons (Blue Glaucus - check my book Blue Dragons, Red Pandas, Hoopoes & More at this link to learn about these amazing and interesting real dragons!), and Bearded Dragons, there are not really giant reptiles which are able to fly and breathe fire. However, the idea of real dragons is interesting and can certainly add an element of fun to a story or movie - or an element of shock as well!

illustrate my own - Check Out this New Series

Quite a few years ago I wrote a series of books for children about Bible people. I was motivated to do so because when you see books about Bible people, they are usually about just a few Bible people and there are so many more people in the Bible with fantastic accounts of how they were able to know and walk with God. I enjoyed writing the Bible stories, but am not an artist, so I thought maybe it would be fun to write a series of books with an "illustrate my own" "twist" - so the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!

What We Do Matters; Now & For Future Generations

Do you wonder if what you do as a grandparent matters? Do you wonder about the legacy you leave behind and how it will impact your children and grandchildren?

Well, I want you to know what we do does matter and the history and legacy we leave behind has great power to influence the generations who follow. As an example of this, please allow me to share with you today a bit of my great-grandpa Badgerow's history and legacy.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Monday, January 29, 2024

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Saturday, January 27, 2024

Friday, January 26, 2024

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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Saturday, January 20, 2024

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