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 . . .

Today is International Red Panda Day

When my husband, grandsons, and I visited John Ball Zoo, one of our favorite animals we saw was the Red Panda. Today is International Red Panda Day, so I am very happy to write about these wonderful animals today!

When I was a child I had never heard of Red Pandas - I knew what Giant Pandas were, but not Red Pandas. However; Red Pandas were "discovered" in 1825 - fifty years before the more common Giant Pandas, making Red Pandas the "first" and "original" panda. Let's learn some more fun facts about the wonderful Red Panda - did you know . . .

Add More Flavor Fun to Your Popcorn!

When my grandsons come over for a sleepover - which is nearly every Saturday night, I typically make popcorn for them. So, when I saw the It's Popcorn Time Gift Box from Penzeys, I had to get it to add more fun and flavor to our popcorn!

Tomorrow is World Gratitude Day

Tomorrow is World Gratitude Day - and regardless of the difficult things we may be facing, or the frustrating things, we still have much for which to be thankful and when we are, we make our day - and the day of all around us - better!

Hats

When my grandsons were younger I made a special hat each year for them - we do live in Michigan where it does get cold in the winter!

 

Today is National Meow Like a Pirate Day!

Yes, meow like a pirate day - you are probably wondering what this could possibly be. Allow me to share. According to NationalToday.com they say - "September 19 has been known as Talk Like a Pirate Day since 1995, but in 2015, cats gained their due respect with the co-celebration of National Meow Like a Pirate Day. Since pirates are rarely seen without a cat or two (or ten) to keep rodents at bay on their man-o-war, it’s only fitting to include them in today’s festivities. Thanks to National Meow Like a Pirate Day, every September 19, felines now have an amazing argh-portunity to set sail and exercise their sea paws. While meowing like a pirate may not make the most sense at first, there is some historical precedent for the relationship.