Tell the "Whys" - God Makes Sense

I love the Okapi - it is one of the most unique animals God created. It looks from the backside like a strange Zebra, but is actually more closely related to the Giraffe. It does have a long neck and a prehensile tongue, like the Giraffe, but it is a unique creature all its own.

The Okapi is only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo; it lives deep in the rain forest and is so shy, we didn't even know for sure it was a real creature until 1901. Okapi do not live in herds, they are solitary creatures and are considered extremely tasty by its neighbors - the leopard and people from the DRC. 

So, how do we still have any Okapi in the world today? They do something extremely unique - they communicate with infrasonic calls . . . leopards and people are not able to hear these beautiful animals communicate, so the mama Okapi and able to "talk" to their babies in safety.

Just for Fun - Did You Know . . .

It has been a while since I shared some, "Just for Fun" strange, but true, facts, so I thought I'd share a few more with you today!  Did you know . . .

Salted Caramel Lollipops

I thought it would be fun and "Fall-ish" to share with you a tasty recipe for Salted Caramel Lollipops!!! 

The recipe is pretty simple, although it does take some stirring. Just follow this link and you'll find an ingredient list and complete directions. I did have to make a couple corrections . . . when you add the cream and butter to the sugar mixture, you need to bring it back to 300 degrees, not 260 - it makes a HUGE difference. And, you need to continually stir for this final cook time.

Caramel Apple Bites

Fall is upon us! In this area of Michigan, Fall = Apples! I enjoy caramel apples, but do not like biting into them, so when  I saw this recipe for caramel apple bites on Pinterest, well, I had to share it  with you . . . and I will be making it with my grandsons, soon!

Help Please!

My grandsons and I have been working on a project - my first reason for this project was to help them learn to pray the Psalms. My second reason for it was to develop a resource, a tool for other grandmas (and grandpas and parents, too) to use to help their grandchildren - preschool through middle school - learn to pray the Psalms as well.

The project is almost complete. When it is there will be 52 weeks of prayers for children to pray from the Psalms. The passages match the passages in Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Grandparents & Parents, Too! (Formally known as Deeper In 4 Grandparents & Parents, Too! Praying the Psalms for the Children You Love).

It is Cheese Pizza Day!

Oh yes, Cheese Pizza Day . . . certainly a day worth celebrating, so in honor of this tasty day, I'm re-posting a recipe I shared back when I began grandma's cookie jar for homemade, personal pizzas! 

Just follow this link and you'll find the complete recipe . . . as I said back then, this is a recipe which is "pretty straightforward, but it is one your grandchildren can literally "get their hands into" and really help prepare a meal for the family to enjoy! Top baked pizza crusts with whatever toppings you like - each grandchild may top their own pizza with their favorite toppings - each one is likely to be unique . . . just like the person who made it! Bake again for about seven minutes and enjoy!"

Pumpkin, Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Children are back to school, so it is Fall; today I'm very happy to share a recipe with you which I found on Pinterest . . . Pumpkin, Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread! Doesn't this sound like the perfect bread for a Fall breakfast, brunch or special dinner?!!!! I can't wait to try this with my family . . . not only will it taste delicious, but I know it will make my house smell like fall - all pumpkiny and wonderful!!!!

Get Your Free Kindle Copy of Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith!

Today, September 2, 2019, through Friday, September 6, 2019, you are able to download the Kindle version of Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! . . . completely for free! It is our Grandparents Day gift to you - whether you are a grandparent or parent!

Please feel free to get your free copy and then plan to use it over the coming year as you hand down the faith. You will find 52 Bible adventures with science projects and activities written to provide you the tools you need to sit down with the children you love to focus upon handing down the faith.

Back-to-School Fun with Free Printables

Here in Michigan - where I live - school started yesterday. My grandsons are all going to new schools this year as they are moving in a few weeks. 

So, as I was thinking about "back to school", I found a couple links for free printable lunch box notes which I thought I'd share with you again today. These notes are great little things to tuck in a lunch box or pocket or backpack to remind children they are loved! Just follow this link and you'll find three sets of printables - use one, two or all three!

I Have a Winner

I'm happy to say Laura Waltz is the winner in the giveaway for four Fandango tickets for Overcomer.  You will find my review - at this link. Thank you Laura for reading grandma's cookie jar (please contact me asap and the tickets are only good for Overcomer as long as it is in the theater - lyndagcj@gmail.com by August 28, 2019, and I will email the codes to you).

I Have a Winner & Another Giveaway in Two Days

I'm happy to say Jenny Quimby is the winner in the giveaway for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: A Puzzle Adventure.  You will find my review - at this link. Thank you Jenny for reading grandma's cookie jar (please contact me - lyndagcj@gmail.com by August 28, 2019, so I am able to arrange to get it to you) and thank you Big Picture Press for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

The Movie Overcomer & Giveaway for Four Fandango Tickets to See Overcomer

I was recently invited to share the news about a new movie which releases on August 23rd - Overcomer. Today I am happy to do so.

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 in it! 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"!

grandma's cookbook - Apple-Cinnamon Pull-Apart Loaf

I live in West Michigan - in the heart of apple country. There are apple orchards all around this area - one is just down the street from where I live. So it is no wonder we tend to enjoy apples around here!