Monday, June 15, 2026

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.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

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! 

Happy Children's Day!

   

Yes, today is Children's Day! I'm a huge fan of this day; and so are my grands! A couple years ago my youngest grand told me he was talking about Children's Day at school and most of his friends had never heard of it before - the friends wanted to know why no one ever told them about Children's Day before! My grands say they are so glad their grandma celebrates Children's Day!

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

I have been writing about the National Parks in Canada and am about half-way through them. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit these parks for myself, but since I'm a "Lost Canadian", it is important to me to learn about my new country, Canada, so I've been studying on-line information about these wonderful Parks. Since I think National Parks tell you a lot about a country, I wanted to learn about Canada's National Parks - and they clearly tell me Canada cares about and values nature, beauty, respecting First Nations, and conserving incredible places!

When you think about visiting a National Park and swimming, surfing, kayaking, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and learning about First Nations Peoples, then today's park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, is a "must visit" National Park in Canada.

Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren

 

I've been writing for several years about how important it is for us, as grandparents to hand down a heritage of confident faith. One way I do this is to let you know about resources to help you as you do this. In Don't Worry; It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren, along with sharing some of my "cute-grand stories", I talk about important things for grandparents to think about and keep in mind as they focus on handing down a heritage of confident faith to their grandchildren.  Today I thought I'd share another "look" at the book with a short excerpt from my book . . . 

grandma's cookbook . . . Strawberries & Cream Pie!

In keeping with the idea of Summer fun, I thought today would be a great day to share a recipe for a strawberries & cream pie! 

Summer Fun - Make Your Own Water Park!

Since tomorrow (Sunday June 14th) is Children's Day (yes it is a real holiday), the summer is upon us, and it is likely to be warm, making your own water park . . . if the children you love have zero qualms about getting wet - absolutely  must be part of your plans.

Friday, June 12, 2026

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

If your favorite National Parks include mountains, water falls, rivers, caves, and lots of nature, then Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territory is absolutely a place you want to visit!

The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures!

     

From time to time I share how when my grands were young and at my house for a sleepover, we typically made up stories at bedtime. They almost always had monsters or dinosaurs in them. One night when my oldest grand was six, my middle grand was three, and my youngest grand was one, we were getting them into bed when my oldest grand said there was a monster under my middle grand's bed! This was not what my middle grand wanted to hear, so I said there could not be any monsters under the bed because the monsters were at their poppa's and grandma's house getting ready for bed on their sleepover. My grands found this idea very interesting, so of course, our bedtime story for the night had to have little, ginormous, humongous, hairy, one-eyed monsters getting ready for bed and being scared because they thought they saw, teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, not-so-hairy, two-eyed people under their beds!