Summer Reading - Narwhal's Sweet Tooth

As I wrote yesterday, Penguin/Random House Canada/Tundra sent me books for my Summer Reading Reviews. Today I'm happy to let you know about Narwhal's Sweet Tooth, by Ben Clanton. When my grandsons were young, the loved the books in the Narwhal and Jelly series, so when I saw this one, I knew I wanted to include it in my Summer Reading Reviews.

Summer Reading - Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad

Yesterday I received a package of wonderful books from Penguin/ Random House Canada/Tundra and so for the coming week I will share about one book with you each day. As I have been saying, one of the best and most important things we are able to do for the children we love is to surround them with books from their youngest ages, read to and with them, because when we do they will begin talking sooner, they will have a larger vocabulary, will begin reading sooner, and will do better in school. Plus, all this reading and spending time together will help build strong relationships with you and the children you love.

So, this Summer be certain to surround the children you love with books - such as Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad by Anna Humphrey and Irma Kniivila.

Make Time for What Really Matters

Yesterday I was thinking about when my grandsons were younger, they spent a lot of time at my house - sleepovers and when their parents were working. Now they are older, so while they still come over nearly every weekend for a sleepover (I am SO blessed!), they do not typically come over in the summer. However, the past couple weeks, on one of the days when both of their parents are working, my youngest grandson - nearly 11 - has wanted to spend the day at my house! Did I mention I am SO blessed!

Pure Joy . . . & Raspberries!

Since yesterday I wrote about the National Day of Joy, today I'm happy to share with you about a time when there was much joy at this grandma's house. Years ago, decades ago, when we moved into the house we live in, my sister (who lived down the street and around the corner at the time) gave me several raspberry bushes to plant in our new backyard. Through the years these bushes produced many, many berries which were enjoyed by my children . . . and then my grandchildren.

Today is the National Day of Joy!

Yes, while it is a wonderful thing for us to experience joy each and every day, apparently today, June 26th, is the National Day of Joy with a focus upon helping us, "enjoy everyday moments to improve our general well-being." So, what is joy?

One of the Most Important Things I Do as, "grandma"!

We are almost through the month of June; it won't be long and it will be July! This is one of my favorite times of the year! Why, you ask??? Because all the, "back-to-school" sales will be starting!

The Best Baby Shower Gift!

I've been writing about the wonderful books Candlewick Press sent me to review - I absolutely believe surrounding our children and grandchildren with books is one of the best things we will ever do for them. The Summer is beginning, so get a new book, or two, or more, and surprise the children you love with them. Books are wonderful resources to use on rainy days, before bedtime, to start the day - at any time!

Summer Reading - Gray

Candlewick Press sent me several books which I've shared with you - today I'm very happy to let you know about my favorite one - Gray by Laura Dockrill and illustrated by Lauren Child.

Summer Reading - Under the Table

For the past several days I've been sharing with you some of the wonderful books Candlewick Press sent me for review - I have two more, so today I'm very happy to let you know about a book which is so silly and fun, the children you love are sure to enjoy it - Under the Table by Alan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman will have you all laughing!

Today is National Arizona Day

Today is National Arizona Day, so of course we will take a look at some of their silly laws and some interesting facts about this State - be sure to share with the children you love. Did you know . . .

Summer Reading - Yippee! Rabbit

Candlewick Press sent me several books for review, so today I'm happy to let you know about one which will delight the young children you love - Yippee! Rabbit by Jo Ham.

Summer Reading - Bear and Bird

Reading to and with the children we love is one of the most important things we are able to do to help them when it comes to talking, developing a vocabulary, and reading on their own, so let's be intentional about surrounding them with books! One book you might consider for the young children you love is Bear and Bird the Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis from Candlewick Press.

Summer Reading - Blue Stars: Mission One - The Vice Principal Problem

The other day I received a package of books from Candlewick Press - one of them is a graphic novel which my youngest grandson finds interesting. I love it when he finds books interesting! Today I am happy to let you know about the book - Blue Stars: Mission One - The Vice Principal Problem, by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Molly Murakami - maybe a child you love will find it interesting, too!

Summer Reading - Keep Up Duck!

Summer may officially be a few days away, but here in Michigan it is in the 90's and humid - not very comfortable for sure. But warm or not, Summer is the perfect time to engage the children we love in reading books. Studies consistently show if we begin reading to children when they are babies they will begin to talk sooner, will have a larger vocabulary, will read for themselves sooner, and will do better in school. Even one of these reasons for reading to children are enough of a reason to do this, but all four make it clear - reading to and with the children we love is something we are able to do which truly matters.

So, over the coming weeks I'm going to share with you about some wonderful books you could get to read to and with the children you love. Today I'm very happy to let you know about Keep Up Duck! by Ivan and Rachel Bates, published by Candlewick Press.

A Family of Her Own for Candy - Great Story to Encourage Reading in the New Year

 

Two summers ago 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.) 

More Summer Fun . . . Water Balloon Pinatas!!!

Okay, on a hot summer day - such as today, what could possibly sound more fun than making - and breaking - water balloon pinatas???!!! Just think of all the fun you could have with your grandchildren and a bag of balloons!!! I found this idea on Pinterest and then bought a bag of balloons, because as much as my grandsons love to play in and with water, I knew this was something they were sure to LOVE - and they did!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I have MS, so I use a cane to help me get around. It has an elephant on the handle and when I am out and about, it is not unusual for people to stop me and comment on how much they like my cane. When this happens I usually share a few "elephant facts", which I'm going to share with you today.

A Fun Gift Idea

Today is Father's Day, so first of all, Happy Father's Day to all the grandpas and dads who read grandma's cookie jar!

Several years ago when my grandsons were younger, they spent Friday night and Saturday at my house, so while they were here they made a gift for their dad . . . it is a really fun item to make with your grandchildren for their dad, mom, or for you as it makes a great birthday gift, anniversary gift, or Christmas gift - so I'm sharing a photo and info if you want to help the children you love make one!

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

 

Two days ago 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 - and since it is available as a kindle ebook, you could give it as a last-minute Father's Day gift, too.

grandma's cookbook - Father's Day Truffles!

Father's Day is tomorrow, and if the dads in your life are like the dads in my life, they are usually difficult to find a perfect gift for them! So, when I was browsing on  Pinterest yesterday and saw a recipe for M&M Cookie Dough Truffles . . . well, they looked to me like Father's Day Truffles! (I know my hubby LOVES M&M's and cookie dough!) 

Today is National New Mexico Day

If you live in New Mexico, today is a day to celebrate as it is National New Mexico Day! So, whether you live there or not, let's take a minute or two to learn about some of their silly laws and some interesting fun facts about this State as well - be sure to share them with your grandchildren! Did you know . . .

A Simple, Meaningful and Personal Father's Day Craft . . .

If you are looking for an idea for Father's Day - which is just two days away, check this one I found on Pinterest! I love how personal it is and how it gives you a way to involve even your youngest grandchildren!

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

 

Today I want to share a book 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 . . .

Summer Fun . . . Squirt Gun Volcano!!!

Around this grandma's house when my grandsons were younger, squirt gun "fights" were great fun! So, when I found a site on  Pinterest with the amazing idea for a "Squirt Gun Volcano" I knew I had to try it with the boys.

Today is National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Oh yes . . . one of my favorite store-bought cookies is the classic, Nutter Butter Cookie, so since today is National Peanut Butter Cookie Day and I saw a recipe for making a homemade version of Nutter Butters, well, I had to share it, but first let's look at some fun peanut butter facts - did you know . . .

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 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!

Look what Wayne Rice says about my book - 

crafting with grandma - DIY Lanyard Knot Holder for Father's Day!

Father's Day is just a few days away, so I thought I'd share a fun gift idea which I found on  Pinterest - a DIY Lanyard Knot Holder! This is something you can help your grandchildren make which their dad is  actually likely to use!

Today is National Ice Tea Day

Today is National Ice Tea Day - I do love iced tea, so let's learn some interesting things about tea and I'll share my favorite blueberry, green, iced tea recipe with you. Did you know . . .

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. 

Happy Children's Day!

Yes, today is Children's Day! I'm a huge fan of this day; and so are my grandsons! Last year my youngest grandson told me he was talking about Children's Day at school and most of his friends had never heard of it before! My  grandsons say they are so glad their grandma celebrates Children's Day!

The "Buzz" About, It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!

 

A few years ago I wrote a book to help, encourage, and challenge grandparents and parents - Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!   and thought it might be fun today to share with you some of the "buzz" . . . what people are saying about this book - and neither of these two people are related to me!

Summer Fun . . . Fizzing Sidewalk Paint!!!

My grandsons loved science projects when they were younger! Oh, did I say, "love"? I should have said, "LOVED!!!!" This idea on Pinterest  where children make and play with fizzing sidewalk paint is one they will have great fun with - and if you make it ahead of time, you could paint a greeting on your sidewalk or driveway and then when your grandchildren come by tomorrow for Children's Day - or whenever they do, you could let them make it "fizz" and then paint more themselves - keep a camera handy!

Summer Fun - Make Your Own Water Park!

Since the summer is upon us and it is likely to be warm, making your own water park . . . if the children you love have zero qualms about getting wet - absolutely  must be part of your summer plans.

National Donut Day!

Today is National Donuts Day - I do love donuts, but rarely eat them. But, a day to celebrate these wonderful, tasty treats is a great - or tasty idea for sure! So, on this day I thought I'd share some fun information about donuts and a recipe for baked donuts - they have to be better for you than fried donuts, although, certainly not "healthy". So, first for some fun facts - did you know . . .

The Miracle Mobility 4N1 - a Great Father's Day Gift!

Do you, or a dad you love, have trouble getting around? Have you noticed a decrease in your abilities due to medical challenges or age and see how this impacts your mobility? Have you been looking for things which will help you with your mobility challenges? If so, then I encourage you to take a good look at the Miracle Mobility 4N1!

Summer Fun . . . The Unpoppable Bubble!

Children's Day is just three days away, so today I'm sharing one more idea I found on Pinterest  which you could use with the children you love to celebrate - and try during the summer as well. After all, what could be more fun than making  unpoppable bubbles? :-)

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 - 

Ready for a Summer Snowball Fight??? :-)

Across the country it is hot . . . even here in Michigan it was in the 80's yesterday - warm for here. So, as I thought about what I should post today on grandma's cookie jar, I thought it might be fun to share all the specifics I found on Pinterest for how to have a "Summer Snowball Fight"!

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?

crafting with grandma - Father's Day Photo of Love!

If you are looking for ideas, other than a tie :-), which you could help your grandchild   give to their dad for Father's Day, check this wonderful idea I found on Pinterest for more than just a photo . . . a Photo of Love!!!

A Family of Her Own for Candy - Great Story to Encourage Reading in the Summer

 

Two summers ago 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.) 

crafting with grandma - Special Photo for Dad!

Father's Day is June 16th, so if you are looking for a great craft idea which you can do with your grandchildren for their dad, check this idea I found on Pinterest! All you need for a special photo with your grandchildren, is their feet, a marker or paint, and a camera . . . plus a fair amount of patience!!! Write on your grandchildren's feet, "We <3 Dad" and have them sit with the bottoms of their feet in front of them. Now for the tricky part! Try to get them all to look at you and smile at the same time! Take the photo and then . . . 

crafting with grandma - Summer Fun for Children's Day - Ice Chalk!

Children's Day is on June 9, 2024 . . . so, if you would like to get a "jump start" on making some fun gifts which your grandchildren will enjoy, check this idea I found on Pinterest for Ice Chalk!!! Follow this link (which is where I got this photo) and you'll find seven different recipes for making Ice Chalk - it would be fun to make with your grandchildren, or to surprise them with on Children's Day or throughout the Summer for some cool fun!

illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Joshua, Caleb, & Hadassah

For the past couple weeks or so I have been letting you know about my illustrate my own Bible Hero books - today I am happy to let you know about the last three Known Bible Hero books - Joshua, Caleb, and Hadassah (you know her as Esther.)

Summer Fun - Lawn Twister!

I remember the game, "Twister" from when I was a child, so when I was browsing on  Pinterest and saw a pin for "Lawn Twister", well, I had to share it with you! All you need is spray paint and something big and round to use as a stencil - this lady used a pizza box lid which she cut a circle. Make plans for the next warm summer day when your grandchildren are over to grab some spray paint, a pizza box lid and get ready for some fun they will remember all their lives! (Don't worry, the paint won't hurt your grass and as it grows and you mow it, it will be gone!)