crafting with grandma - Give Thanks Board! AND it is National Gratitude Month!

November is National Gratitude Month and Daysoftheyear.com says, "Being grateful can boost your mood and make you feel more connected to others.  When you focus on the good things in your life, you start to notice even more positives around you. National Gratitude Month encourages people to be thankful for the positive aspects of life, shift their attention from the negatives, and appreciate the good things around them. Studies show that grateful people tend to experience less stress, better sleep, and even fewer aches and pains. Expressing gratitude can foster a supportive environment, whether in personal relationships or workplaces​​."

So, how do we celebrate National Gratitude Month and what are the benefits for being a grateful person? Consider the following ideas . . .

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

 

For the week 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.)

grandma's cookbook - Creamy Mocha Coffee Caramels

I'm not sure which word "grabbed" your attention - "creamy", "mocha", "coffee", "caramel" or all four of them, but since all of my grands, but in particular one of them, love caramels, these words certainly "grabbed" my attention when I came across them on Pinterest! 

It is Family Stories Month

 

November is Family Stories Month, so it is a great time to gather your family stories and share them with your grandchildren. If you - like my children and grandchildren - have an ancestor who was a famous author, came to the USA on the Mayflower, was a Native American, knighted in England, or a member of royalty, or the Swiss Guard - tell your grandchildren. If you - like my children and grandchildren - have an ancestor who was struck by lightening, survived a tornado, or who took you fishing and sang funny songs - tell your grandchildren.

illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah, and Ruth

 

You are likely familiar with the three Bible people I am highlighting today from my illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah (otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego), and Ruth, 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 would be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

November is National Children's Month

 

When I first saw where November is National Children's Month my first thought was "Hooray! Another 'excuse' to celebrate my dear grands!" However; this is a month to draw attention to children in need by Standing up for the rights of children and making sure their needs are met. Daysoftheyear (dot)com says; "National Children’s Month offers a special opportunity to show appreciation for, celebrate, and meet the needs of children, especially those who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Whether advocating for the government, helping out with a children’s charity or volunteering locally, there are plenty of opportunities for making a difference on this day and all throughout the year!"

Apple Cider Donuts!

I am very blessed to have my three grands at my house on most Saturday nights, so on Sunday mornings I tend to fix things they will enjoy for breakfast. I've been trying to buy apple cider donuts, but the store is always out of them, so I found a recipe online for them and am very happy to share it with you today. It is a big hit with my grands!

Try Pair Eyewear and Save $25!

This past January when I had to get new glasses, I decided to try Pair Eyewear. This line of glasses was designed to have magnetic top frames which you are able to change out for an entirely new look and style - it is SUCH a fantastic idea! It is like getting an entirely new pair of glasses for only $25 or $30 - the cost of a new topper. I have to say, I absolutely LOVE Pair Eyewear!

illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Jonah, Elijah, & Joseph

 

The Bible is filled with true accounts of real people - when we learn about them, and the things which happened to and with them, we are better able to see how God works in our lives - just as He worked in their lives. This is certainly true with Jonah, Elijah, and Joseph!

Today is National Family Literacy Day

Today is National Family Literacy Day - a day well worth celebrating for sure! NationalToday (dot) com says, "Families across the country come together to celebrate National Family Literacy Day on November 1. Reading has many benefits and even more so when it comes to children. Families have so much to gain from reading together. Besides helping young children develop good vocabulary skills, it provides valuable family bonding time. National Family Literacy Day also serves as a platform to appreciate the empowerment effort of literacy programs." Let's look at some literacy facts - did you know . . .

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?