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! 

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!

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 . . .