Please Stand Up & Speak Up

   

I have posted this a few times, but with all the things which are happening in our world, I'm sharing it again today. I write grandma's cookie jar to provide ideas for ways grandmas - and grandpas, moms, and dads might connect the children they love with God and build strong, loving relationships. I share recipes, book reviews, fun facts, and more - I typically stay away from politics. But not today. People I know and love live in fear. People I do not know live in fear - and some are dying at the hands of our government - in our country and now around the world. Our government is being drown in corruption and the trump-epstein files causes great concern. I can not stay silent. I do not believe Jesus would be silent, either. So, I am sharing images I found on instagram - they say what I am thinking.

"Because My Grandma LOVES Them!"

 

I live on an acre, out in the country, in Michigan, in the farmhouse my grandparents built back in the 1920's. In my front and side yard are five very large maple trees. In my back yard, behind the double-stall garage is the most enormous maple tree I've ever seen - it reaches far above the roof of the garage and spans beyond the sides of the garage - on both sides! It is absolutely enormous! We also have one very, very tall sycamore tree, three birch trees and several other trees - including about a dozen pine trees.

"Step With Care and Great Tact . . ."

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Step with care and great tact. And remember life's a great balancing act!" Life has it's "stages" and "moments" and we need to walk though them all with a mind for "balance" and for showing grace to others - including yourself. Yesterday I heard someone talking about how they never give themselves the benefit of the doubt or notice when they do something well, so when others do this for them, it really got them to thinking about how they should go easier on themselves. Far too often this is true for many of us, so today I want to take a minute to share affirmations I found on the verywellmind.com where they said, Positive self-affirmations are usually short, simple statements you come up with on your own based on your own needs and emotions. But self-affirmations have a more universal application, too. It’s okay to use more generalized, pre-written affirmations if you feel they apply well to you.

Here are some positive mental health affirmations to get you started:

Today is International Goof Off Day!

 

Today is International Goof Off Day! You may be wondering why we would want to celebrate goofing off, well, according to nationaltoday (dot) com, they say, "The Goof Off Day is the ideal opportunity for everyone to unwind, enjoy themselves, and have a good time. The day invites us to be a little foolish, relax, and do pointless things on this particular day. On this day, you’re encouraged to do something unproductive for enjoyment until the next day to take a break from your daily duties."

We are likely to all agree our world holds lots of stress for us, so a day to unwind, relax, and enjoy taking a break is not a bad idea. Surprisingly, there are even some health benefits for "goofing off". Did you know . . . 

Today is NOT Lemon Bar Day, But Let's Enjoy Them Anyway!

  

Today is NOT National Lemon Bar day (it is in October), but lemon bars are so tasty and a great treat to make for the ones we love, so today I'm sharing a recipe for lemon bars with you and some fun lemon bar and lemon facts. I really do enjoy lemon bars - the butter cookie bottom and soft, tart lemon topping . . . it is absolutely a wonderful treat! Let's start though with some fun information - did you know . . .

"Today I Shall Behave, as if This is the Day I Will Be Remembered!"

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered!"  I really like this one! It is a challenge to all of us as we absolutely should live each day as if it is a day where we will be remembered. I want to live each day so I am remembered as a mom and grandma who dearly loves her children and grandchildren. I want to be remembered as a wife who loves and who is so thankful for her husband. I want to be remembered as a person who loves all others and who will stand up and speak out for those who need someone to do this for them.

Today is National French Bread Day

 

Today is National French Bread Day, so I thought I'd share a favorite recipe for baguettes! I received baguette pans one year for Christmas, so I found a recipe on-line which I use, but I do not steam the bread - I like a soft crust, not crunchy. I know, not a "true" baguette, but it is tasty for sure! You will find the recipe at this link.

Let's look at some fun bread facts, did you know . . . 

Meet Your Goals to Move More with the Help of the Alevo Alu

     

We all want to try and live a healthier life. As we get older, whether due to age or health or both, the goals we set to help us live healthier may be more difficult to accomplish, but don't give up! Spring is upon us and happily there are "tools" to help us. One such "tool" is the Alevo Alu by Porsche design. And, since the weather is becoming more lovely, getting out and moving is far more enjoyable! If you - or someone you love - experience challenges with mobility, or just need something to help you be more secure in your walking, the Alevo Alu is for you!

"Oh the Things You Can Find if You Don't Stay Behind!"

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Oh the things you can find if you don't stay behind!" I like this quote because it encourages us to find the things we care about and then to get out there and do what we can to lead and make a difference. I want to encourage you today to not let anything or anyone make you "stay behind" - you matter - this is the absolute truth - and you have so much to offer which will make our world a better place! Please take this to heart and then share this truth with those you love as well.

Today is the International Day of Happiness!

 

Nationaltoday (dot) com says, "A holiday called International Day of Happiness may sound a bit infantile to the uninitiated. Perhaps you’re imagining children singing ‘If you’re happy and you know it…’ or people gleefully dancing under a smiling sun and rainbows. While you’re not entirely wrong — who doesn’t like a good sing-song session — the truth is there’s much more to this delightful day than just smiles and good vibes."

crafting with grandma . . . Cute Chicks!

Resurrection Sunday . . . otherwise known as Easter . . . is just a few weeks away, so I thought I'd share a cute, simple and fun craft with you which I found - of course - on Pinterest! These little chicks would be great fun to make with your grandchildren, or for them. All you need is, egg cartons, paint, markers, cardstock, scissors and glue. Of course you will also need goodies to fill these little chicks, when they are all finished!

The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Be Awesome . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Be awesome! Be a book nut!" I'm all for reading so I like this quote! Begin reading to your grandchildren when they are young and continue to read to them, and encourage them to read, as they get older. Find books which introduce your grandchildren to something new and which connect with interests they already have. If you find your grandchildren struggle with reading, finding books which tie in with an interest they have is a good way to get them interested in reading. Thankfully these days there are many resources available for us to utilize to help our grandchildren learn, such as books and computer programs. Discover what your grandchildren's interests are and then find books which encourage them to become a "book nut"!

Today, March 19th is International Read to Me Day

Today is International Read to Me Day - a day well worth celebrating for sure! Daysoftheyear (dot) com says, "Research shows children who regularly read have advanced literacy skills and a greater love for reading. The day promotes literacy and also encourages families and communities to engage in reading activities. It supports the idea of how everyone can play a role in nurturing a child’s love for reading."

Memories & Heritage

When I was a child I looked forward to visiting my grandparents; and especially to sleep-overs! I have many wonderful memories of riding in my grandpa's car on the way to their house in the country for a sleep-over (they lived in the country about six miles from my home in a small, "Norman Rockwell-town"). My grandpa always asked me to sing my Sunday school songs in the car on the way to his house . . . and I sang them at the top of my lungs! (It always embarrassed my older sister when I sang in Sunday school, but my grandpa loved to hear me sing - which amazed and delighted me!)