Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Sirmilik National Park

I have learned while most of Canada's National Parks are in places where you and your family are able to go and enjoy the beauty of nature and experiencing new things together, some of Canada's National Parks are places where very few people will be able to go due to how remote and "wild" these places are. Today I'm writing about one such place - Sirmilik National Park which in order to visit it you have to be, "entirely self-sufficient, requiring arrangements with licensed local outfitters." Even if this does not describe you (it does not describe me), learning about Sirmilik National Park will leave you in awe of such a magnificent place!

Life on the Amazing Goldilocks Planet

 

I'm very happy to share about 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"?

grandma's cookbook - Forbidden Oreo Pudding Cake

  

While I rarely eat cake, I do enjoy cake. I particularly enjoy chocolate cake. When I add pudding to the cake; well, there is ever so much more to enjoy. And, when Oreos are "thrown" into the "mix" . . . "enjoyment" is an absolute "given"! So, when I saw a recipe for Forbidden Oreo Pudding Cake, I had to share it with you - since yesterday was National Oreo Day!

Yelling at Children . . .

In the mornings I often watch Good Morning America or the Today Show as I get around and start my day. Today I'm remembering a few years ago when they talked about an article from the Washington Post  about yelling at children; I found some very interesting information in this report and in the article, so I thought I'd share it with you.

First of all, yelling harms children. There is no debate about this; yelling harms children. The Washington Post said:

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Sable Island National Park Reserve

Today I'm writing about Sable Island National Park Reserve - a very unique National Park Reserve in Canada which you have to have advance permission from Parks Canada to be able to visit - and can only reach it by plane or boat . . .

Yes! illustrate my own Books ARE for You & the Children You Love

        

Summer Vacation is upon us, so if you are looking for something fun you could give the children you love to work on together on a rainy Summer day or as a gift, consider getting some of the books from the illustrate my own series along with crayons, markers, and/or colored pencils. All of them are fun books which will uniquely engage the children you love in ways they have never engaged before with the accounts of Bible heroes. As they (and you) illustrate their books, they will think about what is happening, the things the Bible people said and did, and how God showed His love and grace to the Bible people . . . which will help the children you love better understand how God shows His love and grace to them as well! 

grandma's chuckles - "A grandma's Lap is a Place for a Kid!"

This grandma's heart is overflowing with joy as I remember this post from thirteen years ago! On this particular day, when my grands were at my house, I was working on getting my posts up on my two blogs. My five year old grand walked over to me and said, "A grandma's lap is not a place for a computer . . . it is a place for a kid!" I smiled, set my computer aside and said I completely agreed! They smiled and climbed into my lap and we had a wonderful time of snuggling!

Please Stand Up & Speak Up

Okay, well, we all are likely feeling exhausted as we bounce back and forth between breathing a short breath of relief when our country/supposed president doesn't carry though on his war crime threats for the, "whole civilization to die, never to be brought back again." and wondering if this is the day we go back into an illegal war in Iran because he is once again threatening to hit Iran even harder and take over the Strait of Hormuz. While things seem to have clamed down once again, we sadly and shamefully know the massively corrupt convicted felon currently occupying the white house could break his "promises" at any moment, and throw the world into chaos all over again - time will tell.

As a mom and grandma I want the world in which those I love are living to be a place where they are safe. I want them to be able to live their lives without the shame of being part of a country which commits war crimes and murders innocent people in other countries. I want them to grow up knowing the difference between treating others with love and acceptance and being people who live this way. It is for these reasons I have to speak up again today.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Rouge National Urban Park

When I think about National Parks, I picture mountains, forests, animals, beaches, absolutely nature in its most beautiful places, but while Canada's National Parks typically fits my view of National Parks, one is different as it is an Urban Park. What is an "Urban" Park, you ask? Well, I asked the same question and learned the following about Rouge National Urban Park . . .

The "Buzz" About Praying Deeper!

Over the years, from time-to-time, I've shared Scripture prayers with you which you can pray for yourself and for your grandchildren. Today I'm letting you know about a book which provides a year of Scripture prayers for you - Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament.

It is available in our bookstore and on Amazon, but I thought today I'd share with you some of the fun things people are saying about this book . . . 

Today is National Smoothie Day!

National Today (dot) com says, "National Smoothie Day blends into the calendar every June 21, marking the official start of summer with a refreshing swirl of fruits, vegetables, and creamy bases. It’s the perfect occasion to experiment with new recipes, visit your favorite smoothie bar, or host a blending party with friends. Embrace the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of this beloved beverage." In a minute I'll share my simple favorite smoothie recipe with you, but first some details on where you might find a free or reduced price on smoothies today -

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I have MS, so I use a cane to help me get around. It has an elephant on the handle and when I am out and about, it is not unusual for people to stop me and comment on how much they like my cane. When this happens I usually share a few "elephant facts", which I'm going to share with you today.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Riding Mountain National Park

Yesterday I wrote about Qausuittuq National Park, which is a park you may not ever visit unless you are highly experienced, fully self-reliant, and prepared for extreme hazards, unpredictable river crossings, and polar bear encounters as it is in the very far North of Nunavut, but today I'm writing about a National Park your entire family is able to enjoy together and where they will make incredible memories for sure - Riding Mountain National Park!

An Important Word of Caution

If you are blessed to be a mom and grandma, take a moment to think about something which is so vitally important. Do you focus on making sure your own children and grandchildren know they are truly valued and loved by you, or do you let others be the ones who receive your love, attention, hugs, spoken words of affirmation, etc? Now, I am not saying people who are not your children or grandchildren should not receive your love, but if they do and your own children or grandchildren do not, then you need to stop and think about what you are doing.