illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Gideon, David & Daniel

 

Over the past few days I have shared with you the titles of the illustrate my own Unknown Bible Hero books with you - today I am happy to let you know about some of the illustrate my own Known Bible Hero books . . .

Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism - at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Don't Miss It!

I often write about Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI - I absolutely love this place, plus they are widely recognized as a top sculpture park, having been named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for three years in a row (2023, 2024, and 2025) - and I absolutely agree as they are amazing! Twice a year they have a new sculpture exhibit in their main building and the new exhibit has just opened - Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism - and will be available for you to enjoy until March 15, 2026 - and trust me, you will absolutely enjoy it!

Today is National Knock Knock Jokes Day

Do the children you love have a great sense of humor and love jokes - knock knock jokes in particular? If so, then today is a day to celebrate with them as it is National Knock Knock Jokes Day! The earliest variation of the knock-knock joke can be traced back to the 1900s. According to Merely McEvoy, the joke began around 1900, and it started with the question, “Do you know Arthur?” to which one would naturally ask, “Arthur who?”. The person telling the joke would then reply, “Arthurmometer!” I don't particularly "get" this knock knock joke, but let's learn a little about knock knock jokes and then I'll share a few which you are free to share with the children you love . . . 

illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - Hezekiah, Abel & Seth, and Abigail

 

I have one more group of three books in the illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Hero series to share with you today - are you familiar with any of these Bible people?

"I Do NOT Like That Song!!!"

I know, it isn't even  Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas really is just around the corner, so I am thinking about it. This "thinking about it" has me delighting in the memory of a certain song and the fantastic response of my grands to it! 

crafting with grandma . . . Beaded Safety Pin Pins!

I love beaded safety pin pins . . . they are so fun to make and fun to wear! My daughter made several pins for me when she was younger . . . I still have and wear them! So, I thought it would be fun to share a couple patterns with you! First though, the basics on making beaded safety pin pins . . . 

illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - Deborah & Jael, Jeremiah, and Joshua

 

Over the past two days I have let you know about half of the illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - today I want to let you know about three more . . .

Today is National Oatmeal Day

Today is National Oatmeal Day - and since oatmeal is the world's most versatile and familiar foods, it is well worth celebrating! Let's look at some interesting facts about oatmeal - did you know . . .

Today is National Cat Day!

Do you have a cat? We do. Candy is our calico cat, we got her three years ago from the local Humane Society, and since today is National Cat Day, I thought I'd share some ideas about how to celebrate.

I know we recently celebrated Global Cat Month, but let's learn a few additional things about cats - did you know . . . 

illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - Josiah, Job, & a Donkey which Talked

 

Do you know about Josiah, Job, and the Donkey which Talked? Well, there are now illustrate my own - Unknown Hero books for each of these which will help you and the ones you love not only learn about them, but also learn the important lessons we are able to learn from them . . . 

Chocolate Mousse!

I enjoy chocolate mousse, and so since today is National Chocolate Day, it seems like a great day to share a simple recipe for making a tasty chocolate mousse. You only need four ingredients - one 32 ounce container of heavy cream, 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and one small box of instant chocolate pudding.

Today is National Chocolate Day

Today is National 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 a "National 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 . . .  

illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - Enoch, Jehoshaphat, and Moses

 

Today I want to share with you some information about three of the illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Hero books . . . Enoch, Jehoshaphat, and Moses. Each of these books shares the true account of how God worked in the lives of these real people - and will help readers learn how God will work in their real lives, too!

Let's All Be People Who Live Lives of Compassion to ALL

I have shared in the past some interesting and wonderful things I learned about my great grandpa Badgerow. Today seems like a good time to share it again. He was orphaned the day before his 11th birthday, raised by his sisters, finished the 8th grade and became a small business man - he had a grocery store/gas station in Sparta, Michigan.

Tomorrow is National Immigrants Day

Tomorrow - October 28th is National Immigrants Day. It is an important day to "celebrate the ‘melting pot’ which is the United States. National Immigrants Day brings to light the uniqueness of the background of the various cultures of people who now make up the American people. With more immigrants than any other single nation, the United States is a place that has traditionally held open arms to those interested in starting a new life - and it says on the Stature of Liberty - Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

illustrate my own - Check Out this 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" - the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!

Today is National Transgender Children's Day

Okay, you likely read the title for this post and are wondering why I am writing about National Transgender Children's Day, well, because regardless of what you may think about this day, there are children who are transgender children. These children face a significantly more difficult life than non-transgender children. These children are dearly loved by God. These children are people Jesus would absolutely call our "neighbors" and who Jesus wants those who follow Him to love and treat with respect. So, today I'm writing to encourage you to do this and to encourage the children you love to do the same. This should apply to every day, but especially to today - National Transgender Children's Day. Let's learn some facts to help us with this - did you know . . . 

Today is National Pumpkin Day 26

Yes, today is National Pumpkin Day, and since pumpkins are so good for you - and SO tasty - I'm very happy today to share some fun pumpkin facts with you along with a recipe I found on  Pinterest . . . Pumpkin, Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread! Doesn't this sound like the perfect bread for a Fall breakfast, brunch, or special dinner?!!!! I am going to try this with my family . . . not only will it taste delicious, but I know it will make my house smell like fall - all pumkiny and wonderful, but first some fun pumpkin facts - 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 uncertainties of day-to-day life in 2025. 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 want you to know about my book, Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children. Look what people are saying about this book - 

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 grands were little they called me, “Ga” - I loved being “Ga”! Now they call me, "Grandma" or "Grandmother" and I love both of them, too!

Make a Difference Today on National Make a Difference Day!

Today is National Make a Difference Day, and while I do believe every day is a day to make a difference, I'm strongly in favor of a day focused on doing this, so let's make a difference today! National Make a Difference Day says; "Initiated in 1990, this is a national day devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. The activity can be almost anything. On this day, millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects taking the form of clean-ups, fix-ups, painting and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn't matter what project you take on. It doesn't matter whether you help a non-profit organization, the community, your town, nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need. What matters is that you participate."

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! 

It is National Cookies Month, So Let's Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Oh yes . . . one of my favorite store-bought cookies is the classic, Nutter Butter Cookie, so since October is National Cookies Month 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 . . .

"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 grands.

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 grands when they were little, and we enjoyed making up our own stories, too!

crafting with grandma . . . Granny Square Cat!

 

Since today is Global Cat day, I thought I'd share a pattern I found on Pinterest for a granny square cat! If my grands were younger, I'd make some for them. For today, I'll share this pattern so if you want to make one, you'll have the link! (If you follow this link you'll find a photo tutorial to help you make your own granny square cat!)

grandma's cookbook . . . Caramel Corn!

 

I thought it would be fun to share a special popcorn recipe with you today since it is National Popcorn Popping Month! From time to time homemade caramel corn makes a delicious treat to share with your family  . . . add a movie and you have the makings for a wonderful evening with those you love! Try this recipe (I found it on allrecipes.com) -

Praying Deeper Through the Scriptures

  

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 a couple years ago 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 - 

grandma's cookie jar - Pumpkin Pie Bites!

 

One of my favorite parts of Fall is pumpkin pie! I really love pumpkin pie . . . not only is it sooo tasty, but it is sooo good for you, too, or at least the pumpkin is! So, when I was browsing on   Pinterest and saw Pumpkin Pie Bites, well, I had to share the recipe with you - especially since National Pumpkin Day is just four days away!

Today is National Nut Day

"This day is devoted to all things nuts-related including recipes and cooking tips. No matter what you eat today; include a healthy helping of nuts. They have lots of health benefits and they make you happy. This is important to remember on National Nut Day!" So, on this tasty day, let's take a minute to learn some fun nut facts - did you know . . .

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.

crafting with grandma - Let's Make Apples

  

Fall is upon us and since today is National Apple Day and October is National Apple Month . . . it is a great time to gather the children you love, the necessary supplies and have fun making these little apples!

Today is National Apple Day

October is National Apple Month, and today is National Apple Day. Since  I live in West Michigan - otherwise known as "Apple Country", we can not have enough "apple times" for sure, so I thought I'd share again a favorite apple recipe, an apple "hint", and some apple fun facts. First, the fun facts - did you know . . . 

Look at What People are Saying About Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament

Over the years, from time-to-time, I've shared Scripture prayers with you which you can pray for yourself and for your grandchildren from my book which provides you with a year of Scripture prayers - Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament.

You will find it on Amazon at this link, but I thought today I'd share with you some of the fun things people are saying about this book . . . 

Celebrate National Apple Day with Mini Apple Pies!

Tomorrow, October 21st is National Apple Day, so it is the perfect day to make Mini Apple Pies! I found a recipe on-line for making little apple pies - you'll find it at this link.

Tomorrow is National Honey Day!

October 21st is National Honey Day - but before we look at some ideas for celebrating National Honey Day, let's learn some fun honey facts, did you know . . . 

A Fun Resource for the Ones You Love

 

In this day and age it is especially important for grandparents (and parents) to be focused upon passing confident faith to the children they love, but it can be a challenge to find resources to help us do this. Generations Quest ~ Cultivate the Faith was written for this reason and provides 52 weeks of lessons grandparents/ parents will be able to use to engage our grandchildren/children in learning how to love, know, and walk with God!

Each week there is a science activity which will engage children and connect them to the point of the Bible event. They will learn about Bible people and how to pray the Psalms back to God along with fun activities which are just for fun!

The Language of Science and Faith - a MUST Have Book for us All

  

I have been writing for some time about the need for us as grandmas (grandpas/parents, as well) to equip ourselves so we know the "whys" - why we are able to believe God is real and trust Him with confidence, so we are able to teach the "whys" to the children we love. When we are losing more of our grandchildren than ever before to atheism, we must step up and take action. We must equip ourselves, find and use resources with them to help them know the "whys", and ask our churches to do the same. 

Grandparenting is about far more than baking cookies, having sleepovers, staying in touch with our grandchildren, and hugs . . . although I am strongly in favor of all those things, it is about handing down confident faith. It is about stepping up and focusing on learning what we need to know so we are able to help the ones we love know what they need to know. We must not fail to do this.

Fun Facts & a Recipe for National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

 

Tuesday, the 21st is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, so I thought I'd post this today so you have time to get what you need to celebrate! 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 - 

Adventures with Candy!

I have been writing about my new Candy the Kitten . . . And Me! series of books and wanted you to know of an extra option for getting all three stories - a three in one book - Adventures with Candy! In this book you will find A Family of Her Own for Candy, Candy's Favorite Place, and What Makes Candy Purr? - all three stories about Candy the kitten, which are sure to be loved stories if you have a child in your family who loves cats!

grandma's cookbook . . . Soft, Brown Sugar Cookies!

Have you been baking cookies for National Cookie Month? It is a great time to gather your grandchildren and get them elbow-deep in flour, butter, sugar, and busy making cookies . . . and of course "snatching" cookie dough and finished cookies, too! As you consider which cookies you want to make this month, consider adding this one to your list -

Today is is National Chocolate Cupcake Day!!!

Today is National Chocolate Cupcake Day - you are likely to want to celebrate this one! So to celebrate this incredibly fabulous day, I'm sharing with you a recipe for chocolate cupcakes! Just follow this link and you'll find what looks like an amazing recipe! And, along with the recipe, how about some fun chocolate cupcake fun facts - did you know . . .

What Makes Candy Purr?

For the past few days I've been letting you know about the new books in my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me! books - today I want to let you know about one the children you love are sure to enjoy - What Makes Candy Purr? In this fun story children will get to learn about the things which make Candy, a sweet little calico kitten, purr. And, not only will they discover the things which make Candy purr, but they will be surprised to learn about animals which are not cats, but still are able to purr . . . such as bears! Did you know bears purr? In What Makes Candy Purr? the children you love will enjoy discovering not only about the things which make Candy purr, but will be surprised to learn about other animals which purr, too! 

grandma's cookbook - Dinosaur Cookies!

When my grands were younger they loved stories about monsters, dinosaurs, bears, cars, super heroes, and even spiders . . . of course I'm not so happy about the spider part! So, one day when I was at the store and saw a dinosaur cookie cutter, well, I had to get it and plan to surprise them with dinosaur cookies! 

They came to my house and I had a sugar cookie recipe waiting in the refrigerator so we got to work making . . . and of course sampling . . . dinosaur cookies! It was - as one might expect - great, tasty fun!

National Baking Week - Let's Make Bread!

Days of the Year says, "National Baking Week was originally established in 2007 by the baking company, Pyrex, but the event is now celebrated by a wide range of people along with other baking focused company brands. The idea behind founding the day was to bring back a reminder to individuals and families about the benefits of baking at home. National Baking Week was originally started in the UK, but its principles are universal and over the years the event has spread to other places around the globe."

Candy's Favorite Place!

Since it is Global Cat Day it seems like the perfect day to let you know about another of my new books in my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me! series of books - this time, Candy's Favorite Place!

In Candy's Favorite Place, children will get to learn where Candy, a sweet little calico kitten, loves to spend time. She really likes to be a cat in a box and a cat on her princess pillows, but there is one place where she really loves to be and children will enjoy discovering Candy's Favorite Place! 

Let's Make Chocolate Chip Cookies for National Cookie Month!

While chocolate chip cookies are a treat to enjoy any day - especially fresh from the oven, October is National Cookie Month, it seems like a perfect time to make these tasty treats. Of course this means I need to share a recipe or two with you, so I chose the first one from when my oldest grand was young and we were going to make cookies, so I asked what kind of cookies we should make. The answer was, "Chocolate, chocolate-chip!" So, we sat down with my computer to find a recipe. I found one and read the ingredients to him but heard, "That's not the one we want." I thought it could work, but read the next one. This time I heard, "Yes! This is the one. It has cocoa and the other one didn't. We need cocoa to make chocolate, chocolate-chip cookies!" My grand was right! We made the recipe with just a couple "tweaks" which I'm sharing with you. The cookies turned out quite delightful - after all, they have cocoa, chocolate-chips, peanut butter, and sour cream in them, so how could they be anything but delicious and delightful? 

Today is Global Cat Day

Do you have a cat? We do. Candy is our calico cat, we got her three years ago from the local Humane Society, and since today is Global Cat Day, I thought I'd share some ideas about how to celebrate.

Initially the idea behind Global Cat Month is to confirm one thing — we have loved our cats since the beginning of time — or close to it, and to promote the humane treatment of cats. So, let's learn a few things about cats - did you know . . . 

A Family of Her Own for Candy

I often review books for children from a number of publishers and always enjoy the books which tell a great story and have colorful illustrations. If the books also find a way to involve the children in the story, then the book is likely to get a high review from me. So, when I write stories for children, I work to be sure all these things are covered in my stories and my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me books definitely do these things! Today I want to share with you one of the books in this series - A Family of Her Own for Candy.

grandma's chuckles - Grandma & the Quaker Oats Man, Coffee & Finding Our "Cookie Monster"!

 

"grandma's chuckles" are the things which make me chuckle . . . you know, the things your children and  grandchildren say and do which bring a smile to your face and make your heart happy! These are the things I don't want to forget, so I'm writing them down and sharing them with you . . . I hope they bring a smile to your face, make your heart happy, and cause you to chuckle, too . . . whether you are a grandma or not! :^) Enjoy!

So, today I'm sharing a few "chuckles" from several years ago - which still makes me laugh today . . .