just as grandma's cookie jar should always be full of good things, this blog will be full of good ideas, information, activities and reviews of things to help grandma . . . and grandpa, mom and dad too . . . pass on a heritage of faith to the children in their lives!
Get ready to laugh! As I looked up some silly, but real laws in California, I realized we were likely to get a good laugh from these laws and have something funny to share with our grandchildren . . . to spread the laughing! After all, laughing is good for our health!
Did you know in California . . .
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I love hand and foot print crafts, so when I was browsing on Pinterest the other day and saw this cute idea for footprint Valentines, I had to share it with you! All you need is paper, paint and of course, little feet! While of course it is a craft which "fits" well with Valentine's Day, since I know many moms read this blog, it is also a fantastic craft for you to make with the children you love for their grandparents anytime!
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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 thought it would be fun to share some Backwards Day facts - did you know . . ..jpg)
Okay, I admit it, I have always struggled to make a perfect, fluffy biscuit. My biscuits typically turned out resembling a rock more than anything you actually wanted to eat. But, I found a recipe one day and discovered, not only was it easy and quick, but the biscuits turned out fluffy and wonderful! Plus, when you add cinnamon and make a little icing on the side for the children you love to top their biscuits with as they like, it makes a fantastic breakfast biscuit! So, while I have shared this before, since my family loves these, of course I have to share this recipe with you again.
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I found a wonderful idea on Pinterest . . . crayon hearts! You can make these from bits and pieces of old, broken crayons . . . rather than throw those old crayons away! It is very simple and fun - a great craft for you to make with your grandchildren!
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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 . . .
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Recently 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 Sparta, MI. When the banks were seized by the state of Michigan and ended up taking half of depositor's money in the 1930'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.
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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 make these wonderful hearts I found on Pinterest seem like a great place to start!
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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! I'll share some fun puzzle craft ideas with you, but first some fun puzzle facts, did you know . . .
Over the past years I have written a few times about the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park - typically about their amazing "Butterflies are Blooming" in March and April where thousands of butterflies are in the Tropical Conservatory or their "Christmas Around the World" in November and December. Three years ago my dear husband and I decided to give each other the gift of a membership to the Park. We decided on a grandparents membership - which allowed us and our grandchildren 18 and younger - to visit as often as we liked in the coming year. We added the guest option where were able to bring a guest as well and I have to say, we loved our membership! We thought this was a great membership plan, but Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park are making it even better! This year we will be getting the Friends & Family Plus membership - it will let us continue to enjoy unlimited admission for us, and two adult guests, and eight children under age 18 AND a 10% discount at the gift ship and in the cafe and new ice cream parlor! We will absolutely be renewing our membership next month!
We are just a couple weeks away from Valentines Day, which means we are just a couple weeks away from February 15th! You ask why you should mark your calendar for this day? Because it is the day after Valentines Day. Of course you realize this - it is obvious, so why does this matter? Because . . . it is the day all the heart-shaped candies go on clearance!!!! If you haven't already, make plans to head for your local store first thing on the 15th and pick up some to have on hand for special surprises from grandma! Just think of all the things you could do with heart-shaped candies . . . if you have them . . .
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Nearly every Saturday our grands come over so they can spend the night! Sunday morning I fix breakfast . . . they usually choose sausage, bacon, eggs, waffles, and coffee! Sometimes, they choose blueberry pancakes, so since today is Blueberry Pancake Day, I thought I'd share my pancake recipe with you!
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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 a fun idea to adapt to use with your grandchildren . . . while the link I originally used no longer works, I still love this idea!
A few months ago I wrote about one of my limited edition toppers for my Pair Eyewear glasses - the Black Holographic Flakes! Pair Eyewear says, "This shiny black Top features iridescent flakes scattered throughout." and I say it is an absolutely beautiful topper! The black shimmers and the holographic flakes add pops of color with every move of your head - what isn't there to LOVE about this wonderful topper! I was SO happy to add it to my collection and am very happy to let you know it is once again available and would make a fantastic choice to brighten your day or to give as a gift for someone you know and love who has Pair Eyewear - or plans to get it.
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I am extremely happy to say today is Chocolate Cake Day! Here in Michigan it has been very cold and snowy for the past week, we reached an all time low of -20 actual temperature, so today's temp of - 8 degrees so far is a real "heat wave"! In light of all this "chill", what could be a better way to brighten a cold 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 Chocolate Cake Day, so, let's celebrate! (Although if you are like me and working to lose more weight, then the thought of chocolate cake will have to be enough!)
I do still believe God is real. The past year has left me wondering for sure, but there is too much evidence for God being real for me to ignore it. So, I do still believe.
With everything going on in our country and world, if ever there was a time to pray deeply, this is it. Praying for our grandchildren (and children), and for our neighbors and world, is something we all know we need to do, but it is also something many of us struggle with. We may feel like our prayers do not even make it through the ceiling above us and do not know what to say or how to pray. Our lives are busy, so finding the time to pray can be a challenge which we may not overcome and then days go by without us spending time in prayer.
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I posted this a few weeks ago - but especially with everything going on in our country right now, if ever there was a time to do something nice, it is now. And, it would be a great way to show respect and concern for the families of those who have been murdered or kidnapped by our government, whether you personally know them or not.
"October 5th is actually Do Something Nice Day, but of course I think every day should be, Do Something Nice Day, and doing so makes the world and the coming year better, so let's make today a day where we focus on being nice to others - and then continue to do so each and every day! So . . . what can we do to be nice to others? Hmmm. What about . . .
Eight 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!
It is VERY cold outside today - as I write this it is three degrees out - which is actually "balmy" compared to yesterday when it was -20 - yes, -20! At any rate, people I love spent the night here last night and more people I love are coming over for lunch, so I just made two loaves of Honey, Maple, Oat Artisan Bread - one is gluten free - because the warmth it will add to the house - and the amazing aroma will help with it being so cold outside! If you would like to make some, too, I will share the recipe with you. Before I get to the recipe I want to say this bread just takes minutes to mix by hand, you let it rise for a few hours, then pop it into the oven for about 40 minutes - this is all there is to it!
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Muddy Buddies are a fun treat to make - and eat! I've been making them pretty much every weekend for a few weeks because there is someone I love who comes to my house for a sleepover on Saturdays and this person LOVES Muddy Buddies! If you want to make them for someone you love, try this recipe - from the Chex website - with your grandchildren . . . it is sure to be a favorite!
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If you are looking for a book to help a parent or grandparent you love make the most of handing down confident faith, consider this book - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith.
In this book I look at how our physical 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.
Today I want to share something with you once again, which I originally wrote ten years ago . . .
“My three grands are young; seven, four, and two years old. I love these ages, because they are just the right size for time in grandma’s lap – which of course, just fills my heart with joy! I know when my own children were young, they were the same way, but as they grew up, “lap time” came to an end. So, I treasure these few years when my grands are young. I enjoy the things they say and do which make me laugh and I love opportunities to snuggle them in my lap.
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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.
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When we hand down the faith, we watch for those unplanned opportunities to connect life with God, His Word and how we are able to know and walk with Him. But, we also need to plan opportunities to do these things in a very intentional and purposeful way as well. Handing down the faith tends to be something which we look forward to doing and enjoy, or something which leaves us feeling confused and unable to do effectively. Well, no matter which of these describes you, I am very happy today to let you know about a resource which gives you 52 lessons, complete with science projects, crafts and cooking activities to engage the children you love while also helping them learn about real people from the Bible, how those Bible people chose to walk with God and how they are able to do the same. This resource is called Generations Quest Cultivate the Faith!
Apparently I missed a "holiday" which I would have enjoyed celebrating . . . yesterday, January 22nd, was National Polka Dot Day! I enjoy wearing glasses with polka dots - they add such a fun touch to my glasses for sure! (I'm wearing my Pride Party Dots topper and Holiday Bauble with Foil Crystal topper both from Pride Eyewear.)
I read about this "spotty" holiday and learned it is intended to celebrate Minnie Mouse - she does wear polka dots. But I think it is a day to enjoy these dots beyond the Mouse for sure! Here are a few ways to celebrate - even the day after the technical "holiday" -
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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 . . . 
I'm very happy to share a new book with you which will make a difference in the lives of the children you love. Are you one of the grandmas (or grandpas) who are so blessed to have grown children who love and walk with God, and who are committed to hand down confident faith with you to the children you all love? Do your grandchildren want to go to church, want to talk about their walk with God, and embrace a confident faith of their own? Or, do you have grown children who, like so many their age, are no longer involved in church, who do not embrace a confident faith of their own, and/or grandchildren who tell you they are, "not into that church thing any more"?
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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! For the past three years my husband I and got a Grandparents & Guest Membership - we are able to go as often as we like, bring our grands, and a guest with us - which is something we have done a lot - nearly every week - over the past three years! It is almost time for us to renew our membership and we are absolutely doing so!
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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!
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Yes, I know Saturday is a few days away, but I wanted to let you know about this fun day so you are able to plan to celebrate it with the children you love. "Talk like a Grizzled Prospector Day" is on Saturday and I did find a link online for how you can talk like a grizzled prospector! Here are a few prospector-type words and their definitions . . . and you'll find the complete list at this link. Prospector Talk for Beginners . . .
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With all the stress in our country (and world) on a daily basis, if ever we needed a day to hug, this is such a day for sure. Today is National Hug Day - now this is a holiday for grandmas for sure! I LOVE this one! I looked on-line at punchbowl (dot) com and found the following information about National Hug Day; "Today is National Hug 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.
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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!
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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 . . .
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 World Snow Day and where I live there is definitely snow on the ground! The weather people are saying more snow and cold weather are on the way, so . . . I guess it is time to think about a craft you can make, and enjoy, on a snowy, cold day! (One you can enjoy even if you happen to live where you do not get snow, too!)
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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 . . .
Do you have someone in your family who once walked with God, but no longer do? Someone who at one time went to and was active in their church, but today they say they are not even sure if God is real? Or, do you know someone for whom these things are true?
With the new year beginning, it is the perfect time to think about resources which help us be more mobile - so today I want to share about a time when I was at the store with my husband. While I waited for him a woman came over to me and started asking questions about my 4N1 - which I was using. She said she had never been anywhere where she saw anything like it before and thought it would something she would absolutely use. I told her I loved the flexibility it provides - on days when I'm more mobile, I am able to walk with it and use it like a rollator. On days like this day when my knee was extremely sore, I was able to use it as an motorized chair.
If you live where you have snow, then consider planning to hold a Snow-A-Palooza for the children you love! What is a Snow-A-Palooza, you ask? Well, basically it is a lot of "fun" in the snow! What kind of "fun"? Consider the following options . . .
At first glance, this top frame from pair eyewear may look like it is just a pretty berry/plum/purple color, but just wait a moment! When I move or the light shines on me, color pops across the frame as this no ordinary colored frame, it is The Berry Jam Hexagon Top Frame! Talk about color, pizazz, spunk, sparkle, and fun - this top frame is absolutely all these things!
January 17th is National Tulip Day - while we are covered with snow here in Michigan where I live, apparently in the Netherlands, the 17th marks the beginning of Tulip Season. I personally love tulips - they are SO pretty and colorful! Do you have any flowers which bring you happiness to see them in bloom?
I live just 30 minutes from Holland, MI - home of the Tulip festival, and as you might imagine, tulips are a big deal in this area when they are blooming - which won't be until May. Pretty much everyone around here has tulips which bloom in their flower gardens - even people like me who have the "black thumb of death" when it comes to growing plants!
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Now we all know while there are some actual dragons in our world, such as the Blue Dragons (Blue Glaucus), 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!
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I live in the house my grandparents built - my dad was born in this house and when I was a child, I often was able to have a sleepover at my grandparent's and always loved when my grandma baked bread - when it came out of the oven I always got a fresh-from-the-oven slice of bread to enjoy! What could be better!
I am thinking about making bread today - as I mentioned, it is cold outside today where I live - in the teens - definitely "chilly"! If you would like to try this recipe with the people you love, this is it . . .
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When it comes to cookies my family tends to favor the "classics" . . . chocolate chip-peanut-butter-oatmeal, plain chocolate chip or plain peanut-butter cookies. But every once in a while I like to try something different and this recipe, which I found on Pinterest, is certainly one I'd like to try! After all, what could be more "yummie" sounding than orange butter cookies?!!!! And what could be a better time to try them than on a cold day - it is only in the teens here today?
What do you remember from when you were a child? Which family memories stand out to you when you remember being young? For me, I remember times when my family got together . . . there were always amazing things to eat as my family had excellent cooks as my grandmas and my mom could all cook! There are few things in life as wonderful as time spent with family . . . when you can add in tasty things to eat . . . well, it is the "cherry on top"!
