just as grandma's cookie jar should always be full of good things, this blog will be full of good ideas, information, activities and reviews of things to help grandma . . . and grandpa, mom and dad too . . . pass on a heritage of faith to the children in their lives!
.jpg)
What are the "mountains" just waiting for you and the children you love to "climb"? What can you do to "get on your way" today and help the ones you love do the same? We all have challenges and goals and while we may sometimes feel overwhelmed by them, remember, the following truths, and share them with the ones you love -
.jpg)
I love beaded safety pin pins . . . they are so fun to make and fun to wear! My daughter made several pins for me when she was younger . . . I still have and wear them! So, since March is Craft Month, I thought it would be fun to share a couple patterns with you to give you some ideas of something fun to do with the children you love! First though, the basics on making beaded safety pin pins . . .
Yes, today is National Popcorn Lovers Day - my family certainly has people who could be considered "popcorn lovers" as we do enjoy popcorn! I found the following ideas for ways to celebrate Popcorn Lovers Day on Popcorn.com . . . 
I'm very happy to share a book with you which will make a difference in the lives of the children you love. Are you one of the grandmas (or grandpas) who are so blessed to have grown children who love and walk with God, and who are committed to hand down confident faith with you to the children you all love? Do your grandchildren want to go to church, want to talk about their walk with God, and embrace a confident faith of their own? Or, do you have grown children who, like so many their age, are no longer involved in church, who do not embrace a confident faith of their own, and/or grandchildren who tell you they are, "not into that church thing any more"?
.jpg)
The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?!" Yes, it is pleasant you are "you", and it is absolutely pleasant, more than pleasant, for you to be "you"! You are enough, just as you are. You are valuable, just as you are. You are loved, just as you are. You are worth so much, just as you are. You matter, just as you are. You are a very needed part of our world, your community, and your family just as you are. You are you! And just as these words are true for you, they are true for the ones you love as well.
What do you get when you combine a yard with a fair amount of trees and Springtime? A yard with many branches and twigs all over it just waiting to be picked up! If this describes your yard, then pick up sticks and small branches and then use these sticks and twigs to make some fun things!
My grands love science projects . . . one reason I included science projects in my book for families - Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! They are such engaging, "hands-on" and memorable ways to help my grands learn important things. So, I am always on the watch for new projects which I can try with my grands. Make 2026 the year where you and the children you love grow closer as you discover the adventure of learning about God's Word and the world God created - you will find my book at this link.
Okay, if you have been reading grandma's cookie jar for very long you know I love hand and foot print crafts for little ones! Not only are they fun and cute to make, but they give me a moment in time to save so I can remember a day when my sweet little ones were small! Well, the other day when I was browsing on Pinterest I found a craft for making footprint robins! Talk about adorable!!! And, since Spring has arrived, the robins have returned, and it is Craft Month, well, what could be better than making footprint robins!!!!
.jpg)
The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere!" This is mostly true! There are funny things most everywhere . . . some are easier to see than others, but there are funny things most everywhere!
If you live in, or near, Grand Rapids, MI, you are most certainly familiar with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The past few months I wrote a few times about one of their special exhibits – their Holiday Exhibition - I especially loved all the poinsettias in their tropical conservatory and their Holiday train display.
.jpg)
Today is going to be a "balmy" 64 degree day, so I'm thinking warm, positive thoughts - so, since it is Craft Month and Spring will be here soon with many beautiful plants growing all around us, it seems like a great time to share a fun craft. So, get ready to take your grandchild(ren) on a nature walk and be sure to bring a paper lunch bag along with you to collect the beautiful things they find on your walk. Talk with your grandchild(ren) about the variety of colors in the things you see and lead them in praising God for using so many wonderful colors in the things He created! Encourage them to pick colorful flowers and uniquely shaped leaves as you walk through your yard and then bring them inside to make bandannas for them to wear all Spring and Summer!
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Dr. Seuss Quote for today . . . "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child!" This is a quote I really love, and this one is 100% true! When it comes to reading to, teaching and nurturing our grandchildren, we are NEVER too old! I believe one of the best, most important things we will ever do to help the children we love is to read books to them from the time they are very young - and then encourage them to read when they are older.
Books make fantastic baby shower gifts because studies show if you read to children, they are going to talk sooner, develop a larger vocabulary, and become readers sooner as well!
