crafting with grandma - Crocheted Monster Hats!

Christmas is just a few months away, so if you like to crochet, consider making some fun, warm hats for the ones you love! 

When my grandsons were younger I crocheted fun hats for them - Agent Perry hats, yellow Minions, purple Minions, and a "Gimli" hat (their dog is named Gimli, so I got yarn the color of Gimli and crocheted ears like Gimli!) One year, even though the boys had no lack of hats, I decided since we had been having great fun making up monster stories, a monster hat seemed like a good "fit"!

Today is World Day of Migrants and Refugees

According to Nationaltoday.com, "Every year since 1914, the church has been celebrating World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The inception of this day can be traced to just a few months before the outbreak of the First World War. In 2019, the number of immigrants all over the world had reached a staggering 272 million, which was 51 million more than it was in 2010. Today is a day dedicated to expressing concern to many who face challenges related to immigration and is also a day to recognize our foreign brothers and sisters’ journeys and shine a light on their stories whichever way we can." There has been a lot of talk about migrants and refugees, so on this day which calls attention to these people, let's first look at what God has to say about them in the Bible . . .

Books Which Make a Difference - the little answer book & the little answer book for children

 

Today I am happy to let you know about two books for the adults and children you love - the little answer book and the little answer book for children.

As I say in my books, I am not a scientist. I am not a theologian. I am not a philosopher. I am not an apologist. I am a mom and I am a grandma. I have listened as friends have shared how their loved grown child and/or grandchild turned away from their faith. I know this is a pain more and more parents and grandparents are experiencing (as shown by the Barna studies). We must not sit back and continue to watch as the ones we love turn away from their faith.

Today is National North Carolina Day

Today is National North Carolina Day, so of course we are going to look at some of their silly laws and some fun facts about this State - be sure to share with the children you love! Did you know in North Carolina it is illegal to . . .

Tomorrow is National Good Neighbor Day!

While we should certainly be good neighbors every day, today is a day to especially be a good neighbor! In Luke 10 Jesus taught everyone is our neighbor and we need to be good neighbors; people who have and show mercy to all others! Get your grandchildren and think about things you are able to do to be a good neighbor to your neighbors. Maybe you could . . .

crafting with grandma - snowman clothespin ornaments

Christmas is just three months away, so if you are looking for a fun idea to do with your grandchildren for Christmas which even your youngest grandchildren will be able to do, check out this fun clothespin snowman.

Don't Miss Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this Fall!

Yesterday my husband and I visited Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, so today I want to let you know about some of their new exhibits and special events which are starting so if you live in, or are planning to visit, the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, you will be able to plan to visit this amazing place - and bring your grands with you if you are able to do so!

Today is Johnny Appleseed Day - Celebrate with Apple Cider Lollipops!

Since I grew up in - and currently live - in West Michigan, Johnny Appleseed was someone I learned about as a child! Today is Johnny Appleseed Day, so I thought it would be a fun day to share with you! 

So, first some background info I found on-line about Johnny Appleseed. "He was born in 1774 as Johnny Chapman, this nurseryman became a legend while he was still alive, because he grew apple trees and supplied apple seeds to the early American settlers. He was and still is a legend. During the movement out west, he traveled and planted apple trees along the way. There is said to be a link between him and Arbor Day. Johnny Appleseed Day is at times celebrated on both dates, because he was born on September 26th, 1774 and March 11th is believed to be the date of his death."

Today is National Cooking Day!

On Nationaltoday (dot) com they say; "It can be easy to get in a rut of constantly ordering takeout, heating-up frozen meals, or settling for a dinner of apples and cheese. But if you want to feel truly nourished, nothing beats a home-cooked meal. It’s nice to slow down and enjoy the process of preparing your own food — and the joy of eating it! This is why we’re celebrating National Cooking Day on September 25. National Cooking Day encourages and inspires each of us to discover something new and enjoyable in the kitchen. It’s a time to learn a knew skill by preparing something delicious for loved ones — and ourselves. So put on your aprons and let’s get cooking!"

Book Review - The Cat Way

The other day I received a book from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, The Cat Way, by Sara Lundberg and translated by B. J. Woodstein, so today I am happy to let you know about it.

crafting with grandma - Fun, Excellent & Inexpensive Gifts - Puzzle Snowmen!

Do you enjoy putting puzzles together? What do you do with a puzzle after you put it together? Do you save it and then put it together another time or does it get put in the closet never to see the light of day again? If you have a closet with puzzles in it and you are not sure what to do with them, consider turning them into great gifts for people on your gift list this year - and I'm not talking about just re-gifting them!

I was browsing on Pinterest and saw a photo of a snowman made from painted puzzle pieces! While it doesn't have directions, it looks like it would be  pretty simple project to make - just paint and then glue until you have the snowman look you want! Add some buttons for eyes and nose - I'd use some bake/clay to make a carrot nose instead of another button, make a scarf from some fleece or an old sweater/scarf and your snowman is finished! This would make such a cute gift and it would allow you to reuse a puzzle which is just sitting in your closet! (I think if you made small versions of this, they would make great ornaments as well!)

Thursday is National Pancake Day - Get Ready to Celebrate!

Thursday is National Pancake Day - who doesn't love pancakes so a special day to celebrate and enjoy them, totally makes sense! I have a tasty Apple Pie Pancake recipe to share with you, but first, some fun pancake info - did you know . . .

Today is International Day of Sign Languages

Today is International Day of Sign Languages, and according to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are 72 million deaf people in the world. and there are more than 300 sign languages out there. Let's take a few minutes to learn about sign language - did you know . . .

Today is National Family Day

You are likely familiar with Mother's Day, Father's Day, Children's Day, and Grandparents Day, but do you know about National Family Day? Well, today is National Family Day and according to nationaltoday(dot)com it, "puts the spotlight on the people who make our lives meaningful. Families come in many forms and sizes and under different circumstances, but what they all share is unconditional love and support for those growing on the same family tree. From nuclear family units to extended clans, families can drive us crazy and make life worth living. Take some time today to appreciate the special folks in your life — give them a call, take them out to lunch, or send them a note to let them know you’re thinking of them!"

So before we look at what to do to celebrate your family, let's look at some fun facts about families, did you know . . .