Christmas Review & Giveaway - RISK®: Star Trek™ 50th Anniversary Edition

Many of us remember the original game of RISK from our childhood . . . where world domination was the goal and you had to develop a strategy to out-think and out-maneuver your opponent to achieve your goal. Well, USAopoly has a new "take" on the old game of RISK - this time it is Risk Star Trek 50th Anniversary Edition and if you - or someone on your gift list - is a fan of Star Trek and Risk, this is a great idea for them!

Inspire Cartwheels in Their Hearts

When my middle grandson was almost-seven-years-old (five years ago) he learned to do cartwheels - he had such joy when he was "cartwheeling" across the yard! Joy, absolute joy! 

So, when I read this quote from Mr. Rogers about inspiring cartwheels in my grandson's hearts, I have a very definite picture of what this looks like!

Our Own Blueberry Bread Day

While it technically  was not Blueberry Bread Day, at my house it was this past Sunday. Now, I have to say, I do not know when Blueberry Bread Day actually is celebrated - Blueberry Muffin Day is July 11th each year and Blueberry Pie Day is April 28th, but I have not been able to find an actual Blueberry Bread Day. I do not know why, as it is a delicious type of bread - particularly if you add lemon juice or orange juice to your bread batter, but at any rate, my youngest grandson thought Blueberry Bread sounded good for Sunday, so I made it. Actually I made three loaves - one for them to enjoy Sunday morning (and the other half of this loaf we gave to their great grandma), one loaf for them to take home, and one gluten-free loaf for their Aunt. Yes, my home smelled like Blueberry Bread - a fantastic side benefit for sure!

Fun Craft for Little Ones

I'm always looking for crafts younger children are able to make . . . I am delighted to share with you a really simple and fun craft for a place mat using Duck Tape, plastic zippy bags and your own designs, photos or treasures!

grandma's chuckles - Apparently, I'm "Elderly", We Have a Reader & a Huge Hug!!!

I originally posted this ten and a half years ago, but when I saw it today it made me smile, so I thought I'd share it with you again today!

It has been a fun weekend around this grandma's house! The boys came home with Poppa on Thursday to spend the night and hang out with grandma on Friday - my favorite day each week!!!  Thursday night we watched  Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension. In the movie Perry bites Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Phineas says, "No, Perry! We don't bite the elderly!!!" My oldest grandson (four and a half years old) asked me, "What is 'the elderly'?" I told him elderly means "old people", so he thought for a moment and said, "Oh. Like great-grandma and you?" I didn't really want to agree it meant "me", so I asked him, "Hhmmm. What about Poppa?" to which he replied, "Yes, definitely Poppa!!!" Of course I had to smile at his answer!!! :-) I was also very pleased when he showed consideration by offering to re-start the movie when his Aunt joined us part-way through and he learned she had not watched this movie before.

He Drives Like a Mad-Man

One of my favorite things about facebook is the "Memories" feature where it shows me things I posted each day one, two, or more years earlier. It is a wonderful way to remember those special times with family and friends.

Well, today's post is one I'm sharing which I originally wrote ten years ago, but when I saw it today, it made me laugh as I remembered my then two year old grandson and how he used to "drive" the dump truck like a "mad-man"! Enjoy . . . 

Do NOT Open This Book!

I have reviewed this book before, but as I think about books to recommend as Christmas gifts, this one is definitely one I happily recommend! It was sent a few years ago for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about, Do NOT Open This Book!

grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest - Peppermint Brownies by Anne

A few years ago I held a Christmas Cookie Recipe Contest and today I'm very happy to share one of the recipes with you - Peppermint Brownies by Anne Pickering! Anne says these are a favorite at her house . . . I can see why they would be! Thank you Anne for sharing these with us!

Trust & An Old, Dry Brown Leaf

I originally wrote this post seven years ago, but thought you would enjoy seeing it today. 

What is trust? Well, dictionary.com defines it as a; "firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something" I want my grandchildren to know they are dearly loved by me and they are absolutely able to trust me. So, what does love and trust look like to these three sweet rascally boys? Well, at times it looks like twinkly blue eyes, a big smile and an old, dry brown leaf. Let me explain.

My Stew Recipe for Cold Fall and Winter Evenings

I live in West Michigan. Not far from my home (about 30 miles) they received nine inches of snow on October 31st! We received a dusting of snow, but it has been chilly out for sure! So, of course, it is the perfect time to bring out my InstantPot and make a tasty stew - and I am happy to share my recipe with you - gather the ingredients and get ready for a very tasty stew for sure!

You will need . . .

Things I Love About the 4N1 - a Unique Mobility Rollator/Chair and the Perfect Christmas Gift for You or Someone You Love

    

Miracle Mobility sent me their unique and award-winning 4N1 to review so I am able to try it out in a variety of settings and let you know all about it. If you or someone you love is experiencing mobility challenges, the 4N1 may be the perfect resource for you/them as it combines a rollator, electric wheelchair, a wheelchair others are able to push someone in, and a power assist chair into one amazing item! Today I will share a few of my observations about it so you are able to consider it for yourself or someone you love - it would make a fantastic Christmas gift for sure as it is actually the gift of mobility!

November is National Children's Month

When I first saw where November is National Children's Month my first thought was "Hooray! Another 'excuse' to celebrate my dear grandsons!" However; this is a month to draw attention to children in need by Standing up for the rights of children and making sure their needs are met. Daysoftheyear (dot)com says; "National Children’s Month offers a special opportunity to show appreciation for, celebrate, and meet the needs of children, especially those who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Whether advocating for the government, helping out with a children’s charity or volunteering locally, there are plenty of opportunities for making a difference on this day and all throughout the year!"

It is Peanut Butter Lovers' Month

 

I love peanut butter and think every month is a month to celebrate the tasty treat, but since November is apparently peanut butter lovers' month, it is a great time to share a simple way to turn a favorite recipe into an even better recipe . . . peanut butter toll house cookies!

Christmas Resources Which Make a Difference - the Single Parent Confident & Successful

 

Today I am happy to recommend a book written by a dear friend for you to consider adding to your own intentional grandparenting resource "tool kit" and for you to give as a gift for Christmas to the ones you love. Today's book, the single parent: confident and successful is written by Linda Ranson Jacobs and while it was specifically written for single parents/grandparents, it is filled with wisdom about handing down confident faith making the single parent: confident and successful a great gift for any and all parents and grandparents - single or not.