Candy's Favorite Place!

With Summer upon us it seems like the perfect day to let you know about another of my new books in my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me! series of books - which would make a great gift for a child you love - this time, Candy's Favorite Place!

In Candy's Favorite Place, children will get to learn where Candy, a sweet little calico kitten, loves to spend time. She really likes to be a cat in a box and a cat on her princess pillows, but there is one place where she really loves to be and children will enjoy discovering Candy's Favorite Place! 

Fun Facts about Grandparents & Why What They Do Matters!

 

Clearly, from the things I write about, I sincerely believe grandparents are able to make a difference with their grandchildren. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Ice Cream Maker & Coffee Ice Cream

I recently turned 65 - yes, 65, and my daughter gave me an ice cream maker for my KitchenAid mixer. I decided to make coffee ice cream for my family to enjoy - and will share the recipe shortly, but first I want to let you know what I think about the ice cream maker for my mixer. The first batch of ice cream I made, I missed an important piece of information. The ice cream maker works with your Kitchen Aid mixer whether it is a "tilt-head" mixer (like mine) or the newer "lift" mixer, but there is a special attachment which requires you to use either the "A" or "B" notch based on the type of mixer you have. If you use the incorrect notch, you will find making ice cream is quite a frustrating experience. Be sure you use the correct notch for your mixer.

Once I learned this important information, my second batch of ice cream was not at all frustrating - and I was able to make more coffee ice cream which my family very much enjoyed! Now for the recipe . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Prince Albert National Park

When I was a child my parents took me and my siblings almost every year to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the USA. I loved going to the Smoky Mountains and have many wonderful memories of time spent there. As I learned about Prince Albert National Park it seems to me to also be a place where families can visit and create incredible memories every year!

A Family of Her Own for Candy

   

I often review books for children from a number of publishers and always enjoy the books which tell a great story and have colorful illustrations. If the books also find a way to involve the children in the story, then the book is likely to get a high review from me. So, when I write stories for children, I work to be sure all these things are covered in my stories and my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me books definitely do these things! Today I want to share with you one of the books in this series - A Family of Her Own for Candy.

The Best Baby Shower Gift!

From time to time I write about the wonderful books Publishers send 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!

Water Balloons - 20 Fun Ideas!

  

Summer is upon us and it is likely to be hot across the country - even where I live in Michigan (although we may not even make it to 70 today), so whether it is hot where you are (such as my family in Redding, CA where it was 110 yesterday!) or will be hot soon where you are, I'm happy to share a pin for 20 fun Water Balloon games.

My grands tried the water balloon hunt, the water balloon piñata, and the water balloon launcher! We definitely ended up with up with completely soaked people and there was lots of laughing! 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Point Pelee National Park

Growing up in West Michigan I am familiar with sweeping beaches (along Lake Michigan) and migrating birds as this area is a major flight path, where we see massive waves of nocturnal migration during both the spring and fall. So, learning about Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada sounds very familiar - and like a place I would love for sure!

crafting with grandma - 4th of July Tin Can Windsocks!

It seems like Summer has barely begun, but the 4th of July is really just around the corner . . . just over a couple weeks away! So, I thought I'd share a great  craft with you which I found online - at this link. These 4th of July Tin Can Windsocks are wonderful!

grandma's new bug spray!

 

A few years ago I learned about essential oils and discovered the following recipe I'm going to share with you today for bug spray . . . summer is not far away after all! It does seem to help - but not for keeping away ticks.

"Children Are the Best Teachers in the World!"

 

I was looking through the NIV Mom's Devotional Bible from Zondervan the other day and ran across something written by Mary Hollingsworth which I want to share with you . . . Tiny Teachers -

"Children are the best teachers in the world. They teach young women how to be mothers and young men how to be fathers. They teach older men and women how to be grandparents. They even teach other children how to be brothers and sisters.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Pituamkek National Park Reserve

I've been writing about Canada's National Parks for the past several weeks - today I'm happy to let you know about their newest National Park Reserve - Pituamkek National Park Reserve off the northwestern coast of Prince Edward Island. This newest National Park Reserve is a place where families are able to spend time in nature and build memories they will certainly treasure all their lives!

Summer Reading - for You! - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

 

Our 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. 

Yes, our physical DNA tells our cells and bodies how to Develop, Live and Reproduce, but let's think for a moment about another type of "DNA". A Spiritual DNA. More specifically, our "Faith and Prayer DNA". What are a, "Faith and Prayer DNA" you ask? Well, just as our physical DNA provides the code for how our bodies develop, live and reproduce, our "Faith and Prayer DNA" gives us the code or instructions which help us learn to develop a strong walk of faith, live as people who believe and reproduce by handing down to our children and our children's children a strong, confident and healthy walk of faith. 

grandma's cookbook - Children's Day Treat - S'mores!

Children's Day is today, and if you are looking for a fun recipe you could make with your grandchildren to celebrate children and fun, look at this recipe  for S'mores I found on  Pinterest! Follow the link for the recipe and plan to make these with your grandchildren today for Children's Day!