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!
Christmas tends to be a time of joy with family and friends, but for some of us, Christmas is a sad time, difficult time, challenging time - if you struggle and if Christmas is different for you this year, this song is for you. You will find TobyMac's and Tasha Layton's song, Christmas Hits Different at this link. If your Christmas is "hitting" "different" this year, please consider this song a big hug.
Years ago I made a crocheted nativity set from a pattern I bought from Annie's Attic. I looked on Pinterest and found one which is similar so if you would like to make your own set, you could try this one. The pattern from Annie's Attic made large figures, but I used small hooks and crochet cotton for small figures which I put in my tree each year. I like being able to keep the focus of my tree on the Reason for the Season!
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds, but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:4, 6, 7
I have been writing about ENLIGHTEN, and today I want to continue our journey through the experiences of light, sculpture, surprises, music, fun, unexpected discoveries, and the creation of memories all of which make up ENLIGHTEN. As I said the other day, if you are looking for a gift to give the ones you love which is more than the typical sweater or toy (not that there's anything wrong with sweaters and toys - I love sweaters and my grands enjoyed receiving toys when they were younger) or if you want an extra special gift for the ones you love, you will find giving the gift of the Experience of ENLIGHTEN is absolutely the gift you want to give. Please allow me to share with you more of what this experience will entail . . .
Since yesterday was National Homemade Cookie Day, I thought I'd share another cookie recipe with you today. I saw this recipe on Pinterest so today is a the day to share it with you! I love how this is a fairly simple recipe and it is one the children you love will have fun helping you make - I'm sure they will love putting the peanut-butter cups in the cookies! (Of course, they are very likely to sample a few peanut-butter cups as well!)
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Yes, it is the time of year for a Candy Cane Hunt! What is a Candy Cane Hunt, you ask? Think Easter Egg Hunt, and substitute Candy Canes, grab your camera, and get ready for some photos, memories, and fun your grandchildren - or children - will never forget!
Today is National Homemade Cookie Day, so I certainly had to celebrate it with you by sharing my family's favorite cookie recipe with you - Three Grands' Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Cookies!
A few days ago I wrote about ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and started telling you what ENLIGHTEN is all about. Today I want to start you on your journey through the experiences of light, sculpture, surprises, music, fun, unexpected discoveries, and the creation of memories all of which make up ENLIGHTEN. If you are looking for a gift to give the ones you love which is more than the typical sweater or toy (not that there's anything wrong with sweaters and toys - I love sweaters and my grands enjoyed receiving toys when they were younger) you will find giving the gift of the Experience of ENLIGHTEN is absolutely the gift you want to give. Please allow me to share with you what this experience will entail . . .
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While every day is a day to hug those you love, in my opinion, today is a day to especially focus on hugging others, "to encourage people to show affection to each other." Nationaltoday.com says, "Hugs are very versatile. Many of us hug when we wish to share our happiness with family and friends. At the same time, hugs are a staple when we are feeling low and need someone to just hold and console us. Hugs are also the perfect reconciliatory gesture when you want to make up with someone after a fight. Scientifically, hugs are known to release good hormones that can help lower your blood pressure and stress levels." Yes, hugs are beneficial, so let's learn a few more things about hugs - did you know . . .
"The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith" is a book for the parents-to-be, parents, grandparents -to-be, and grandparents in your life. Look what Tim Kimmel (Family Matters) and Dr. Scott Turansky (National Center for Biblical Parenting) have to say about it -
So, what is "National Build Joy Day"? Well, according to nationaltoday dot com it is a day to, "give back to your community in whatever way possible and make someone’s day!" This is certainly something we all are able to celebrate and make a part of our every day lives by bringing joy to people’s lives with tiny acts of kindness.
What might we do to celebrate National Build Joy Day - consider the following ideas from Nationaltoday -
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WooHoo!!! This is a day I am happy to celebrate for sure as I am a definite "fan" of popcorn and am one who is willing to celebrate it! My family enjoys popcorn as well and most weekends when the grands are here I end up fixing it for them.
