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.