Please Stand Up & Speak Up

    

I have posted this a few times, but with all the things which are happening in our world, and especially since today is Resurrection Sunday, 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 drowning 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.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Today is National Self-Care Day

As moms and grandmas we often tend to spend our time caring for others, and while this is a wonderful thing, we also need to spend time caring for ourselves - and teach the ones we love to do the same. This is not being "selfish", self-care is essential for our own well-being as without it we are not able to do the things we do to care for others. Nationaltoday.com explains it in the following way, "Our minds and bodies require adequate rest and care for optimal health and well-being. This day emphasizes the importance of self-care as the basis for good health. It’s also a day when individuals are encouraged to prioritize self-care and make it a habit." Let's look at a few facts about caring for yourself and some ideas on how to do so - 

Sensory–Friendly Hours at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for Free!

I love Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI. I love their amazing gardens and sculptures. I love their special events throughout the year. I love everything about them. I did not think it was possible for them to do anything which would make me love them more, but they have. In honor of Autism Awareness Day, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is celebrating inclusion and connection in nature. 🌼

Fun to Make Unique Craft/Gift

Do you like to make unique, special gifts for the people on your gift list? Do you enjoy helping your grandchildren learn to make unique special gifts for the people on their gift list? If you'd like a great idea for a truly unique gift, try this one! You could help your grandchildren make this gift for their parents!

April is National Soft Pretzel Month

 

Yes, April is National Soft Pretzel Month - so of course while you might celebrate by buying some soft pretzels, it would be so much more fun to gather the children you love and make your own tasty soft pretzels - don't worry - it is really pretty simple to do! I'll share a recipe shortly, but first, some info on National Soft Pretzel Month - did you know . . . 

Try Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

When we trust God, we are steadfast and are able to experience His perfect peace. This is certainly what we want for the ones we love; at all times, but especially now with the ongoing wars in Iran, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Palestine, and the uncertainties of day-to-day life in 2026. Our grandchildren (and/or young children) may especially feel fear as they see and hear about the things going on in this world.

If ever there was a time to help them learn to be people who talk with God, this is it. So, to help you with this, I want you to know about my book, Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children. Look what people are saying about this book - 

Grandmas, Don't Forget to Show Love in the Little Ways

 

Yes, there are many things we do as grandparents to show love to our grandchildren - very often these are big things . . . but there are also little things we need to remember to do as well. We may think the little things do not really matter, but the thing about the little things is sometimes they are actually the "big" things. 

With this in mind, let's think about some of the "little/big things" . . . 

grandma's cookbook . . . Easy Chocolate Mousse on National Chocolate Mousse Day

  

Today is National Chocolate Mousse Day, so since it is chocolate mousse day, I thought I'd share my recipe with you . . . and what could be more delicious than chocolate mousse?!!! It can be complicated and a bit tricky to make chocolate mousse, so I found a delicious recipe  from Betty Crocker - I have made this before and it is easy and tasty - a great way to celebrate National Chocolate Mousse Day!

Today is National Children's Picture Book Day!

 

Today is National Children's Picture Book Day! We all likely had a favorite book when we were young - I loved several Dr. Seuss books, Ten Apples Up On Top was one of my favorite Seuss books for sure! When we think of children's picture books, we certainly think of books by Dr. Seuss - especially since last month I shared a Dr. Seuss quote almost every day of the month! Well, today is a day to remember your favorite picture book from when you were a child and to share books with the children we love as well. One of the reasons that National Children’s Picture Book Day is celebrated on April 2 is because renowned fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday also falls on the same day.

According to a Sweet Three -Year Old!

 

Eleven years ago on a Wednesday; back then it was otherwise known as my day with the sweet grands - my two youngest grands were at my house and my then three-year old grand told me about the things they thought were important for a grandma to do . . . I thought I'd share them with you!

Abducktion - A Weirdly Strategic Duck Kidnapping Game

My daughter loves games and she introduced us to the game - Abducktion - it is now a favorite game to play at my house! What is Abducktion, you ask? Well, the creators describe it as, "Abducktion started in a very simple way — we wanted to make a game for grownups (and smart kids) that took only 15-20 minutes to play, just two minutes to explain, but was still strategic and competitive enough to make beating your friends and family still feel really, really good. 

Here's the premise: Players are all interns on an alien UFO, working for an intergalactic corporation that has one main function: abducting ducks. (For research purposes, duh). But, ducks need to be collected in specific formations, and you'll have to use spatial logic and cunning to rearrange your ducks before your opponents to win!"

Yes, this game has UFOs, ducks, and LOTS of family fun for sure!

Don't Worry: It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren - Look What People Are Saying About It!

     

I am very happy to say, Don't Worry: It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren is available on Kindle and as a print version on Amazon - and it makes a wonderful gift for the parents and grandparents you know! But not only for parents and grandparents as if you are an aunt, uncle, or someone who works with children, this book is for you, too.

What Do Your Grands Call You?

What do your grandchildren call you? Are you, Grandma, Nana, Memaw, or something entirely unique? A friend told me his grandchildren called their grandma, "G-Money" - they didn't know why, and a reader once told me when her grandchildren were little they called her, "Dave" - again, no one knew why! When my grands were little they called me, “Ga” - I loved being “Ga”! Now they call me, "Grandma" or "Grandmother" and I love both of them, too!