grandma's cookie jar

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Christmas Book Review - Harold Hates to Hibernate

While here in Michigan where I live we have had a very extended warm Fall - it will be in the 70's again in a couple days - winter is actually not far away. So, when I saw the book, Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern Kousky from Penguin Random House, I knew I wanted to share it with you. If you are a grandma (or grandpa/parent who gives books to the children you love for Christmas, take a look at this one.

Do you have a cat? We do. Candy is our calico cat, we got her two years ago from the local Humane Society, and since Tuesday is National Cat Day, I thought I'd share some ideas about how to celebrate.

I know we recently celebrated Global Cat Month, but let's learn a few additional things about cats - did you know . . .

Christmas Book Review - Elmore the Christmas Moose

Christmas is a wonderful time to give books to the children we love - and if you, like me, give a gift after your Christmas tree goes up, then Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt is the perfect book to give!

Yes, today is National Pumpkin Day, and since pumpkins are so good for you - and SO tasty - I'm very happy today to share some fun pumpkin facts with you along with a recipe I found on Pinterest . . . Pumpkin, Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread! Doesn't this sound like the perfect bread for a Fall breakfast, brunch, or special dinner?!!!! I am going to try this with my family . . . not only will it taste delicious, but I know it will make my house smell like fall - all pumkiny and wonderful, but first some fun pumpkin facts - did you know . . .

Okay, you likely read the title for this post and are wondering why I am writing about National Transgender Children's Day, well, because regardless of what you may think about this day, there are children who are transgender children. These children face a significantly more difficult life than non-transgender children. These children are dearly loved by God. These children are people Jesus would absolutely call our "neighbors" and who Jesus wants those who follow Him to love and treat with respect. So, today I'm writing to encourage you to do this and to encourage the children you love to do the same. This should apply to every day, but especially to today - National Transgender Children's Day. Let's learn some facts to help us with this - did you know . . .

Christmas Book Review - Don't Think of Tigers

Today I am very happy to let you know about a clever, fun and wonderfully encouraging book from Penguin Random House - Don't Think of Tigers by Alex Latimer. This book is so much fun to read and I am certain the children you love will enjoy having it read to them as well.

If you, or someone you love, live in Nevada, then today is a day to celebrate as it is Nevada Day! So, of course, we will look at some of their funny laws and some interesting information about Nevada - did you know . . .

crafting with grandma - Sweet Wire Angels

Christmas is just two months away!!! The time is certain to fly, so if you are planning to make any gifts for people on your list . . . and/or items to decorate your own home, now is definitely the time to be working on these projects!

With this in mind, I was browsing on Pinterest - and found a wonderful angel craft! It is wonderful for several reasons: it is inexpensive! Definitely wonderful! It is simple to make! Definitely wonderful! It is adorable! Definitely wonderful!

Christmas Book Review - The Bakery Dragon

Now you may think you know all about "dragon stories" - big dragons, small dragons, colorful dragons, black dragons, cranky dragons, nice dragons, the list goes on and on. But, in The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz from Penguin Random House, you are about to meet a dragon unlike any dragon you and the children you love have learned about before!

grandma's cookbook . . . Caramel Corn!

I thought it would be fun to share a special popcorn recipe with you today! From time to time homemade caramel corn makes a delicious treat to share with your family . . . add a movie and you have the makings for a wonderful evening with those you love! Try this recipe (I found it on allrecipes.com) -

Christmas Book Reviews - I Am the Grinch

I received two boxes of books today from Penguin Random House and so over the coming week, I will be very happy to let you know about these books which would make fantastic gifts for the children on your Christmas gift list. Giving and reading books to children is one of the best ways to build a strong relationship, help them learn to talk, develop a larger vocabulary, learn to read on their own, and do better in school - so while you may be giving a book to a child, you are actually giving them so much more!

Today I am happy to let you know about a wonderful board book - I Am the Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, written by Alastair Heim and illustrated by Tom Brannon.

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, I thought it would be fun to share a couple patterns with you! First though, the basics on making beaded safety pin pins . . .