Make a Difference with illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books

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!

crafting with grandma . . . Cold, World Snow Day Fun - a Snowman

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!)

Today is National Gourmet Coffee Day

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 . . . 

the little answer book Is For You

   

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?

The 4N1 from Miracle Mobility - the Flexible Option Which Gets Attention!

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.

Sunday is World Snow Day - So, Hold a Snow-A-Palooza!

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 . . . 

Pair Eyewear - The Berry Jam Hexagon Top Frame

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!

Tomorrow is National Tulip Day

  

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!

Today is National Appreciate a Dragon Day!

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!

grandma's cookbook - Potato, Squash, Honey, Oat Bread

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 . . . 

grandma's cookbook - Orange Butter Cookies!

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?

Cooking = Family Memories to Treasure!

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"!

January is Soup Month - and Penzeys has a Great Sale on Soup Bases!

January is National Soup Month and so I want to share a special offer with you for soup base - it is on sale for just today and tomorrow (January 14, 2026 and January 15, 2026), so if soup sounds tasty to you, check this special offer from Penzeys at this link - and they have several other special offers available as well!

Celebrate with the Best-Ever Chocolate Cake!

 

Today is not actually World Chocolate Day, it is July 11th, so in honor of this most important day, I'm re-running my recipe for the best-ever Chocolate cake! Don't you just love chocolate cake?!!! Aren't there days when chocolate cake is the best thing you could possibly eat? Well, I do love chocolate cake and there are days when chocolate cake most certainly does put a smile on my face - although since I've been working the past six years to lose weight (and have lost 100 lbs), I rarely eat it, but I do fix it for others.