Grandma Stories» Grandparenting

Submit An Article

Grandma — Sat, 07 May 2011 21:38:44 +0000

“Do you accept guest articles on your Grandma Stories blog? If so, what are the requirements for submitting a guest post?” I’m often asked if would accept guest articles on my blogs. Yes, I do accept guest post submissions on Grandma Stories, and you don’t have to be a grandma to write for this blog. I only ask that potential guest writers carefully review the guidelines and requirements for submitting guest posts here before emailing me to ask questions.

To submit articles for publishing on this blog, guest writers must be careful to follow legal standards for content and use of images within their guest posts, and adhere to a few specific guidelines for guest posts. Submitting guest articles for this blog is easy – just email me through the contact form with any specific questions or post topic ideas and I will respond promptly, or just email me with a copy of the guest article being submitted with whatever image is appropriate for the content.

Guest Article Submission Questions and Answers:

Do guest writers have to have a blog or website of their own? No.

Do you pay for guest posts? No.

Do you require guest writers to agree to write and submit articles on a weekly/monthly basis? No.

How many external links are allowed? Usually two, but sometimes three depending on the length of the article being submitted.

If you have your own website or blog, you can embed a link to it within the guest article and/or linked within your self-written byline paragraph at the bottom of your article that describes you and your site as a way of promoting you and/or your blog site or business.

No affiliate links and no “sponsored posts” are permitted. Guest writers who do not have a website or blog of their own may link to their Facebook page, Myspace page, Twitter page etc, or none at all – it is up to you.

Submit a Guest Article? Why?

Writing guest articles for publication online is a great way of expressing your creativity through words. If you don’t yet have a blog or website of your own but have been considering starting a blog, submitting guest posts helps to “get your feet wet” so to speak. There are many reasons for guest writing on blogs, especially for beginner blog writers wanting to get a couple links pointed at their site to build its search engine rankings.

I often find that people are more creative than they think they are, and writing articles is a great way of expressing that creativity. I’ve had people tell me in detail about a book they read or a product they tried, what they liked or disliked and why, and without even thinking about it for very long they discover they’ve just verbally written a guest article on that topic. When I ask them to write it down or type it out on the computer and send it to me as a guest post, they become very excited about the idea of doing more creative writing projects in one form or another.

Some blog writers are strictly confined within a specific niche on their own blogs and want to widen their horizons by guest posting on other topics of interest to them and others, but don’t want to start a new blog on that topic for various personal reasons.

Before submitting guest articles to me for possible publication on this blog, take the time to consider the kind of articles and subjects that fit best on this site. Grandparenting, Grandparent Visitation Rights, Aging, Health, Recipes, Crafts, Skin Care, Hair Care, Older Women’s Issues, Older Men’s Issues, Gardening, Canning, Recycling, Holidays, Religion/Spirituality, Technology and more. I prefer not to allow guest posts on Politics, nor do I write political opinion articles on any of my blogs, although I’ve been known to share my views on Facebook from time to time.

If you are unsure about a topic you would like to write and submit as a guest post, contact me and ask. I’m pretty easy. Religion, spirituality, bible/scriptural matters relevant to real life and family living are fine, as long as the content of the post is not highly controversial or inflammatory to individual beliefs or that negatively target specific religions or denominations.

Submitted guest articles do not have to be perfect, and I rarely ever reject guest posts unless the article has so many spelling/grammar mistakes that I would end up needing to virtually rewrite the entire article myself. Guest articles are run through spell checker and grammar checker, and I verify outbound link destinations and punctuation. Other than that, no changes will be made to the actual content of your guest article.

Submitted guest articles must be your own original work and must not be republished anywhere else on the web. No duplicate content. Articles are checked for duplicity with copyscape and google. Articles must have a minimum of 650 words, 800 + words are preferred, and image(s) must be free of copyright use restrictions and optimized appropriately. If you have an idea for a guest post you would like to submit, pitch your idea by emailing me through the contact form and I will reply promptly.

Guest articles should be submitted via word doc with desired image(s) attached. Once the submitted article is approved and published on the blog, the author will be notified via email along with a courtesy link to their published article. I retain the legal right to publish, edit or reject any/all article submissions for this site to maintain the integrity and reputation of the site and site owner (me). Guest article submissions requiring extensive editing will be returned to the author for rewriting, and if necessary rejected.

To submit a guest article for publication or if you have further questions about guest posting on my blog(s), email me your questions and check your inbox (or possibly the spam folder as it may filter there) for my prompt reply.

Similar Posts:

Kids Luggage Suitcase Sets – Melissa and Doug Trunki – Disney Suitcases For Kids and Babies

Grandma — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:45:48 +0000

Kids luggage, specially designed suitcases for kids, babies and toddlers are very popular for children of all ages for travel or when going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for a visit. Children enjoy having their own luggage to call their own and put their clothes and toys in when traveling out of town, and since Grandpa and I have grandchildren that enjoy visiting, we thought it would be a great idea to look for kids suitcases for sale that are age appropriate and in colors or designs the kids would enjoy.

Kids luggage come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Children’s suitcase styles include backpacks, duffel bags, kids rolling luggage with wheels attached and are the right size as carry on bags when travel requires flying on an airplane. With a new grand baby on the way, we’ve of course looked for baby luggage as well. When our soon-to-be born granddaughter is coming to visit or spend the day/weekend with Grandma and Grandpa, the cute little baby girl will come supplied with everything she’ll want or need for a fun stay.

The toddler suitcases we found for sale are so cute, from popular luggage brands like Samsonite, and the Disney suitcases and polka dot luggage sets for kids or babies are not very expensive at all. To make it easy for young children to lug around their suitcases, luggage makers have fortunately made rolling luggage for kids, toddlers and even babies in the cutest styles.

Melissa and Doug Trunki Kids Suitcases

Since there is a new grand baby on the way, we were happy to find specially designed baby luggage by Child to Cherish in pink or blue colors that says Ready or Not, Here I Come Grandma on the outside of the suitcase. The very popular brand Melissa & Doug luggage called Trunki, part luggage and part riding toy, is prefect for little kids and toddlers who might otherwise grow tired pulling their suitcase or walking through the airport.

Older kids might be happy with solid color luggage or any number of character themes, patterns and styles of kids suitcases, but after seeing how cute the Melissa and Doug Trunki suitcase is for girls and boys, our grandchildren will have fun riding on their suitcase as a scoot toy and have the benefits of very own luggage all rolled into one.

While I’m sure there are many suitcase brands for kids of all ages available for sale to choose from, Melissa and Doug toys and wooden toys, puzzles, toy kitchen and play food, kids crafts, train sets, drawing easel, puppets and blocks for kids, and the extremely popular Melissa and Doug dollhouse for little girls are all high quality, trusted products. It only makes sense that Melissa & Doug’s luggage for kids on wheels, that little girls and boys can ride on and play with, would also be a high quality product parents and grandparents can fully trust.

Our toddler size granddaughter is almost two years old now and she has fun playing with all of the Melissa & Doug toys she has received so far and will continue to receive for Christmas, birthdays or as just because gifts, and the same goes for our yet-to-be born granddaughter when she makes her appearance into the world. Melissa and Doug’s Trunki comes in several colors for boys and girls, including Trixie pink, Sunny orange, Ruby red, Terrance blue, Jade green and Iris purple.

Disney Luggage Bags For Kids

Disney bags and Disney luggage sets and sleeping bags for kids are also very popular suitcases, with a variety of Disney character themes that toddlers and kids love. Some of the best known Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, Minnie Mouse, Little Mermaid, Disney Princess and the Frog, Winnie the Pooh and others are amongst the list of very popular kids rolling luggage, tags and backpacks.

With so many luggage options for little girls and boys, it’s sometimes hard to choose one over the other choices, especially when kids get a little older and become a tad picky. We’re nowhere near that kid stage with these little grandchildren being babies and toddlers, so until the children get old enough to voice their own preferences for a specific suitcase style or their parents choose their favorite, we’re going to go with Trunki by Melissa and Doug in pink and purple. Once the Trunki’s are received and tested out, maybe I’ll do a blog review about it.

Similar Posts:

Grandfather Birthday Gift Ideas For Grandpa’s Birthday

Grandma — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:05:36 +0000

Grandpa’s birthday is coming up soon so I’ve been trying to come up with some really good ideas of what to get him for his birthday. Even though Grandpa’s birthday isn’t one of the so-called milestone birthdays, like if he were turning 50, 60, 70 or 80, his birthday is an important occasion and I want to make sure his gifts are things he would want and enjoy having.

As always, I pay very close attention to what Grandpa says, and by being thoughtful about gifts for people, I can usually come up with some great gifts for his birthday or as Christmas gifts etc. There isn’t much that Grandpa “needs”, so whenever I’ve asked him directly what he might want for his birthday, the usual answer is something like getting him a new bottle of his favorite cologne.

This year for his birthday, I want to get him something really special, something I know he would really like and be very happy to receive as a birthday gift. A couple of years ago, he had mentioned in passing conversation how someone he knows was talking about a new GPS Navigation System the guy had received as a birthday gift, and sure enough Grandpa thought the GPS was a really cool gadget and said he might like to get one ‘one of these days’. Grandpa does love his gadget gifts, that’s for sure, and I’ve found some very unique gadgets over the years that he really enjoys.

Well, either for a previous birthday present or as a Christmas gift a couple of year ago, I surprised Grandpa with the same exact GPS gadget that the other guy has and boy oh boy was Grandpa excited about getting that as a gift. That’s what thoughtful gift giving is all about and it’s a lot of fun for me as the gift giver. Grandpa hasn’t talked about any particular gadget gifts on the market that he would like to have, but he has talked about how having just network television has become increasingly boring, especially during weekends when sports games are being shown on cable television channels and we haven’t had cable television for years.

Grandpa had fun recently playing with an iPad someone else owns, and I’ve seen him checking out the Kindle ereader too, so either or both of those may become gift ideas for him at some point in the future. Of course, considering how much Grandpa enjoys doing fun things like fishing, hunting, golf etc, sports-themed gifts for Grandpa are always a good idea. I’ve noticed there are some new/newer sports type electronic games that can be played on the tv that just might be a hit for Grandpa when he’s feeling bored or wants to engage in game playing.

Having said that, I thought well.., maybe it’s time things change and we start looking into bundle packages for cable tv by DirectTv or some other cable provider company that serves our area. Grandpa and I had researched options for cable television, satellite tv and HDTV’s etc quite awhile back, but for the timebeing we decided to get a couple digital converter boxes and continue to use our non-digital tv’s. We’ve focused our energies and money on getting out of debt as fast as possible, and we’ve managed to accomplish quite a lot of that since we curtailed most of our spending on gifts for Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions.

Apparently, a local network television station is battling to be able to continue airing sports on their network station, which is the channel Grandpa usually turns on when he’s wanting to watch sports. Grandpa couldn’t watch the Rangers play and win the game against Tampa because we don’t have cable television, and “watching” the baseball game on an internet animated play-by-play simulator showed me how much Grandpa would enjoy having cable tv and be able to watch his favorite sports shows and movies.

Grandpa’s birthday this year is going to be a very special one, and he deserves every one of the gifts he’s going to receive, including finally getting digital cable tv hooked up and happily handing him the remote so he can relax and watch his favorite shows and sports games. Grandpa isn’t having just a one-day birthday party this year; Grandpa’s going to be enjoying a long weekend of fun and games for his birthday this year. His birthday this year will include what are commonly referred to as “experience gifts”, rather than gifting Grandpa with a lot of ‘stuff’ he doesn’t want or need.

Coming up with gift ideas for this particular man, husband, father and grandfather is pretty easy for me. Grandpa doesn’t ask for anything, nor does he want for anything. Whenever there are things he or I really want or need, we just go ahead and buy them for ourselves because we can and these sort of gifts or gadgets aren’t things that would be appropriate to ask for as gifts because they’re a bit higher priced than what would be considered reasonable.

I can hardly wait for Grandpa’s birthday to arrive because he is going to have the biggest smile on his face when he sees what very special and unique ideas I have planned for his birthday celebration. Birthday parties are fun, with delicious favorite foods and birthday cake, birthday cards and gifts made especially for the birthday boy. Grandpa’s birthday this year just might turn out to be his favorite birthday celebration thus far, and I’ll be camera ready to capture each activity and every happy smile and fun experience as they occur.

Similar Posts:

I’m Going To Be a Grandma Again! More Grandma Stories to Tell!

Grandma — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:28:27 +0000

Yep, I’m going to be a grandma again, and I’m so happy and excited since hearing the news, I can’t help but make an announcement on Grandma Stories! I still consider myself a new grandma, since my two grandchildren are still so young, but now we’re having grandchild number three! Grandpa and I are both beside ourselves with excitement at the upcoming birth of my third grandchild (his fourth), and I’m doing my best to control my desire to rush off to the baby stores and shop till I drop!

Even though I don’t have an official grandma name or nickname quite yet, it really does not matter if I chose a name for myself or not, because the grandchildren are going to ultimately decide on my/our nicknames. My grandchildren are so young, but starting to talk more at this point, so there is plenty of time for choosing grandma and grandpa nicknames. I can think of a whole variety of grandparent names to choose from for my/our grandchildren to call us that we would prefer, but when it’s all said and done, the grandkids will make the decision and I’m fine with that.

Calling me Grandma is just fine of course, but I’d prefer not to be called Nana because one of the other grandmothers is already called Nana and the baby’s are going to get confused figuring out who Nana 1 is and who Nana 2 is. One of my sons and his lady love are expecting our new grandchild sometime in May of next year, so there’s plenty of time to prepare and plan for the day of his or her birth. I’ve already seen sonogram pictures of the growing baby, but it’s still very early into the pregnancy, so more sonograms are sure to be taken.

Oh the fun we will have holding, loving, playing with, rocking in the rocking chair, singing lullabies and playing peek-a-boo, buying toys and gifts for this new little baby. Oh yeah, and spoiling him or her is on the top of my list, just like my other grandchildren, that’s for sure! Okay, spoiling within reason, but not over the top extravagant, where the parents might feel the need to tell me to pull back the reins a bit. Grandparenting is awesome!

Over the Christmas holiday this year, the pregnancy will most likely be far enough along where the happy parents will find out whether we’re having a healthy baby boy or girl. I already have a grandson and a granddaughter, so we have no particular wish for a boy vs. a girl baby, even though the parents are hoping to have a baby boy. Seeing my son holding and cradling my granddaughter when she was first born tells me it won’t matter at all if the baby is a girl or a boy, because he is going to be an excellent father either way.

It is very important to me as a Grandmother to be careful to respect boundaries and give the parents their rightful space to make their personal decisions together, and not over-step. That is not to say that as grandparents we won’t offer suggestions, recommendations and guidance when desired, but the ideas we share are just that, ideas and suggestions. The fact that I am a mother of six children myself, and Grandpa is a father of two, we both know a few things about pregnancy, childbirth, babies, two o’clock in the morning feedings, parenting etc, so any advice or suggestions we may give is always with the purest intentions.

I understand all too well the sometimes overwhelming thoughts, fears, concerns, feelings and emotions that run through the minds and hearts of new parents. First-time parents often experience a flood of self-doubt, as to whether they will be good mothers and fathers, and that is one area that Grandpa and I can be of help. As a matter of fact, I’ve already ordered my son Armin Brott’s book The Expectant Father, as it provides a lot of great information for brand new fathers to help answer all of the questions new dad’s ask and wonder about.

Of course, the baby’s mother also receives the very popular What to Expect When You’re Expecting book by Heidi Murkoff, with excellent information and pictures of each stage of pregnancy and more. Quick, someone hold me back from rushing off to Babies R Us and Toys R Us and buying up a bunch of baby stuff already! Oh my gosh! I’m going to be a Grandma again! I couldn’t be more excited and neither could Grandpa.

Similar Posts:

50 Grandparents Day Gift Ideas in Celebration of Grandparents Day

Grandma — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:05:15 +0000

Getting ideas for Grandparents Day gifts for Grandma and Grandpa for National Grandparents Day this year can be easy if you simply ask the grandparents what they would like or need. Of course, the common response to the “What do grandparents want for Grandparents Day?” question is often answered with “a visit would be nice”.

Grandparents certainly love spending time with their grandchildren as often as possible, but many grandparents live out of state, or even far away in another country, which makes visiting regularly nearly impossible.

Even though “a visit” would be the most popular answer of what to give grandparents on their special holiday, the second favorite gift would usually be a recent photograph of the grandchild(ren) in a nice frame. Being grandparents ourselves, Grandpa and I have discovered the benefits and pleasure of having a couple electronic digital frames with hundreds of family pictures around the house. Not only do we enjoy seeing our kids and grandkids automatically rotate with the frames, but we also included vacation photos and a variety of family-related events and special memories captured on camera.

Grandparents Day Gifts

Grandparents living in an assisted living facility or nursing home often requires a little extra thought in what to give as a gift, as these places have their own sets of rules and guidelines due to limited or lack of space. Before deciding on what to buy a grandparent in a nursing home or assisted living environment, talk to the staff who take care of the grandparent to see what items would be most needed or desired.

Homemade gifts for Grandparents Day are especially enjoyed by many grandparents, made by the little hands of young kids making something unique just for Grandma and Grandpa. Not all grandparents are made the same, meaning that some grandma’s and grandpa’s are thrilled to receive just about anything made by a grandchild, while other grandparents won’t find a homemade macaroni on a string necklace or a spray painted coffee can very attractive.

Grandpa and I are amongst the first group: we’d be happy to receive just about anything made by our grandchildren, perhaps a personalized gift with a message or card that says “I love you”, or a small handmade clay handprint of grandchildren’s little hands. Most grandparents agree that things a grandparent does not want or need for Grandparents Day, Birthdays or Christmas etc, are gifts that require dusting and cleaning like knickknacks, or silly gag gifts that inevitably find its way into the trash.

50 Grandparents Day Gift Ideas

Digital Photo Frame
Books
Candies or Chocolates
Gourmet specialty coffee or tea
Board games or puzzles
Crossword puzzles, word search, sudoku
Craft kits
Classic movies on DVD
Personalized afghan or throw for Grandma/Grandpa
Pandora jewelry, Pandora bracelet or charms
Grandma’s Memory Book
Gardening tools and supplies
Cooking/grilling gadgets
Victorian silhouette picture of grandchild in black and white, mounted and framed
Hand painted flowerpot or vase
Tickets to a play or special event
Gift card to grandma and grandpa’s favorite restaurant
Homemade cake or cookies
Personalized calendar with birthdays, anniversaries, holidays already written
Gift cards for gas or groceries
Gift card for favorite department store or clothing store
IOU notes for landscaping, housecleaning, carpet cleaning, car washing
Phone cards for long distance
Pharmacy gift cards
Quilt or Afghan, new flannel bed sheets,
Electric blanket or electric throw for winter
Floral or herbal sachets to hang on doorknobs or in drawers
Audio books on tape, CD’s of favorite performers from their era
Beauty salon or nail salon gift certificates
Magazine subscriptions are especially appreciated by nursing home/assisted living residents
Gift baskets or homemade treat baskets
Homemade jar mixes with instruction card
Fragrant soaps and body lotions
Scrapbook photo collage of family and grandchildren
Portable CD player or iPod
New bathrobe and slippers
Homemade baked goods, desserts, jams and jellies
Aftershave, cologne
Personalized stationary with envelopes, pens, Stamps
Personal care essentials, nail clippers, etc
Ice cream toppings and nuts to pour on favorite ice cream flavors
Flavored popcorn
Relaxation spa treatment at local Spa
Easy-to-care for household plants
Sports fan gifts: golf, fishing, hunting, football, baseball etc
Take Grandpa to a football or hockey game
A year’s pass to national or state parks
Digital camera
Homemade “all about your life” book, including photos, memories and stories from the past
Webcam – Grandma’s, grandpa’s and great grandparents who are computer users LOVE having a webcam to see and speak to their kids and grandkids on interactive online video chat.

Get a little creative in your thought processes while trying to find grandparent gifts for new and older grandmas and grandpas, or over 70 year old grandparents and great grandparents. Gifts don’t need to be expensive at all, and most grandparents would not want their children or grandchildren over-spending on gifts. Remember, your time or “a visit” is the number one gift on most grandparents wish list.

Similar Posts:

National Grandparents Day Quotes, Poems, Gifts, Famous Sayings Celebrating Grandparents

Grandma — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:23:29 +0000

National Grandparents Day this year falls on Sunday, September 12, 2010, the first Sunday after Labor Day. Celebrating Grandparents Day with kids and grandchildren is a special September holiday celebrated primarily in the U.S and Canada.

Grandparents Day poems about grandmas and grandpa sayings, kind and thoughtful gift giving, sharing humorous quotes and eating a meal together, are just some ways kids and families celebrate this special holiday for grandparents. Playing cards games or board games, enjoying fun indoor or outdoor activities together at a park, are some popular things to do on Grandparents Day.

“If I knew it was going to be this much fun, I would have become a grandparent first.” Willard Scott

Grandparents Day poems, handmade crafts by kids, photographs, and printable cards that grandchildren have made themselves at home or on the computer are all genuinely appreciated by grandparents on their special day.

Grandpa and I enjoy printing our own cards for any or all special occasions, birthdays and anniversaries etc, and having the computer card studio software by Hallmark makes creating homemade cards cheap and easy for kids, adults, parents and grandparents.

Kids Grandparents Day Poems, Quotes and Famous Sayings

“Grandparents And Children”

Grandparents and grandchildren,
Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past,
With the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part.
(Unknown Author)

“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” – Alex Haley

“A Poem”

From early in the morning,
Until I go to sleep each day,
I know my grandparents love me,
In a very special way.
Sometimes it’s tea and crackers,
Sometimes a walk in the park,
Sometimes it’s just a hug when I’m scared and in the dark.
I love to hear their stories,
About the past and where they’re from,
And I know their hearts are filled for me,
With never ending love.
(Unknown Author)

“Something magical happens when parents turns into grandparents. Their attitude changes from “money-doesn’t-grow-on-trees” to spending it like it does.” – Paul Linden

“Grandparents and Grandchildren”

Grandparents and grandchildren,
Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past,
With the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part.
(Unknown Author)

“Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories and love.” (Author Unknown)

“Grandparents”

Few can bring the warmth
We can find in their embrace,
And little more is needed to bring love.
Than the smile on their face.

They’ve a supply of precious stories,
Yet they’ve time to wipe a tear,
Or give us reasons to make us laugh,
They grow more precious through the years.

I believe that God sent us Grandparents
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.
(Unknown Author)

“Few things are more delightful than grandchildren fighting over your lap”. – Doug Larson

“Grandfathers Are Fathers Who Are Grand”

Grandfathers are fathers who are grand,
Restoring the sense that our most precious things
Are those that do not change much over time.
No love of childhood is more sublime,
Demanding little, giving on demand,
Far more inclined than most to grant the wings
Allowing us to reach enchanted lands.
Though grandfathers must serve as second fathers,
Helping out with young and restless hearts,
Each has all the patience wisdom brings,
Remembering our passions more than others,
Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.
(Unknown Author)

“They say genes skip generations. Maybe that’s why grandparents find their grandchildren so likeable. “ – Joan McIntosh

“Grandma’s Hugs”

Grandma’s Hugs are Made of Love
Everything my grandma does
is something special made with love.
She take time to add the extra touch
that says, “I love you very much.”

She fixes hurts with a kiss and smile
and tell good stories grandma-style.
It’s warm and cozy on her lap
for secret telling or a nap.

And when I say my prayer at night,
I ask God to bless and hold her tight.
Cause when it comes to giving hugs
my grandma’s arms are filled with love!
(Unknown Author)

“On the seventh day God rested. His grandchildren must have been out of town.” – Gene Perret

50 Best Grandparent Quotes & Sayings about Grandmothers and Grandfathers

“Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.”
“Grandmothers are just antique little girls.”
“Grandfathers are just antique little boys.”
“A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television.”
“There’s no place like home except Grandma’s.”
“A married daughter with children puts you in danger of being catalogued as a first edition.”
“Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies.”
“Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.”
“A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.”
“Grandfathers are for loving and fixing things.”
“It’s such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother — that’s why the world calls her grandmother.”
“You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.”
“Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love.”
“The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandpa’s lap.”
“I have a warm feeling after playing with my grandchildren. It’s the liniment working.”
“Grandmother — a wonderful mother with lots of practice.”
“A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside.”
“It’s amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one.”
“A garden of Love grows in a Grandmother’s heart.”
“A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.”
“Grandparents are similar to a piece of string — handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren.”
“A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance.”
“No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet.”
“My granddaughter came to spend a few weeks with me, and I decided to teach her to sew. After I had gone through a lengthy explanation of how to thread the machine, she stepped back, put her hands on her hips, and said in disbelief, ‘You mean you can do all that, but you can’t play my Game Boy?’”
“My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, ‘Gramma, do you know how you and God are alike?’ I mentally polished my halo while I asked, ‘No, how are we alike?’ ‘You’re both old,’ he replied.”
“Truth be told, there’s nothing better than being a grandparent. All our elders know this and it is evidenced by that twinkle in their eyes. Of course, they know more than they let on — life’s secrets have come to them through time, experience, and patience.”
“Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart.”
“Grandparents are the footsteps to the future generations.”
“Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories and Love.”
“Grandparents bring about a side that you probably wish that’s how your parents dealt with you while you were a child. Abundance of indulgence and unwavering love.
“Grandparents make the world … a little softer, a little kinder, a little warmer.
“Unconditional positive regard is rarely given by anyone except a grandparent.”
“A zest for life is one of the most important examples a grandparent can pass on to their grandchildren.”
“Grandchildren give us a second chance to do things better because they bring out the best in us.”
“Although you’ve raised children of your own, now you don’t have to worry about all the responsibilities that come with parenting. You’ve earned the right to enjoy being a grandparent.”
“Blessed be the ties that bind generations.”
“A Grandmother is a special person who causes a joyful happening in the heart of a child.”
“Grandma’s kitchen … kids eat free.”
“Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies.”
“I’m the twinkle in my Grandpa’s eye….”
“The handwriting on the wall means the grandchildren found the crayons.”
“Grandpas always have time for you when everyone else is too busy.”
“Grandpas have the patience and time to teach you how to sail a model boat or take you to a football match.”
“Only your granddad and your granny can be relied on never to get angry with you, even when you’ve been really, really naughty.”
“Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven’t thought of yet.”
“The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.”
“Do you know why grandchildren are always so full of energy? They suck it out of their grandparents.”
“Grandchildren: the only people who can get more out of you than the IRS.”
“You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”
“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” – Rudolph Giuliani

Similar Posts:

Turning 50 – 50th Birthday Gift Ideas for Mom or Grandma

Grandma — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:20:26 +0000

I will be turning 50 years old on July 5th of this year, a half a century old. Some seem to feel that turning 50 means you’re officially entering “old age”, a major milestone year in the life of men and women. For me, turning 50 is a blessing, one that I readily accept with joy and anticipation about the opportunities and possibilities laid out before me with nary a thought of what others feel or think about me.

Turning 50 years old offers many benefits, including the pleasure of watching my grown children reach their goals, get married if they choose to, and raise children of their own. The joy of being a Grandma and watching my grandchildren grow up to become happy, productive members of society is just one benefit amongst many that I take great pleasure in each and every day.

Turning 50 is a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family and reflect back on one’s experiences and accomplishments in life, and that is exactly what we‘re going to do. Turning fifty years old and planning a 50th birthday party celebration for those near and dear includes being asked, What do you get someone who is turning 50?, What is an appropriate 50th birthday gift for a mom or grandma?, and, How do you plan a 50th birthday party for someone?

A 50th birthday party for someone like me is one that is a small, informal, casual, relaxed, low-key affair, not a loud and boisterous party filled to the gills with black roses and other black birthday party decorations or supplies, coffin cakes and the like. That is not my style, so when planning a 50th birthday party for someone as a surprise or not, it’s best to consider the individual person’s personality and style when deciding on the birthday theme, colors used, gag gifts, music, etc.

50th Birthday Party Gift Ideas

50th birthday gag gifts are of course funny and fun, for those that enjoy silly gag gifts. To me, they’re just a waste of money and more often than not, thrown away in the trash shortly after the party is over and the guests have left and gone home. Thoughtful, practical birthday gifts for a 50th birthday are more appealing than those that are just “silly”, for the sake of laughter. Birthday gift ideas for someone turning 50 aren’t much different than gifts for any other birthday, whether it’s a 30th, 40th or 60th birthday.

Choosing a 50th birthday party gift, or any other age, is just a matter of carefully considering the likes, dislikes, personal interests, hobbies etc of the gift recipient. I always try to make a mental note anytime someone near and dear mentions something they need or would like to have, that could be given as a kind and thoughtful gift for a birthday, holiday or some other special occasion.

Since I spend so much time reading books and magazines of interest to me, I’ve been carefully watching for the price of the Kindle wireless e-reader to go down to a more reasonable amount, as something I might get for myself sometime. I haven’t bought any kind of wireless e-reader device as of yet, but the price of the Kindle has dropped dramatically, so that may be a great 50th birthday gift idea for someone who reads a lot.

I especially like the Kindle for reading while traveling or on vacation, but it’s so small and light that it just may be a great reading device for anytime of year or while relaxing at home. I’ve been told that there is a Kindle application for smart phones, like the iPhone and Blackberry, but I just don’t see reading downloaded books on such a small screen as being very comfortable.

There are some other 50th Birthday Gifts I’ve passed along to those who have inquired as to what I might like as a gift that I won’t mention here. Suffice it to say that there are very few things on my “want” or “need” list as far as gifts are concerned, so enjoying the fun, food, laughter and good times during my upcoming 50th birthday party with friends and family is all that really matters to me. Turning 50 is great, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of being in my 50’s and beyond.

Similar Posts:

Valentine’s Day For Grandparents

Grandma — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:12:24 +0000

Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for sweethearts, friends, lovers, spouses etc and that includes grandparents, on February 14 of each year. Valentine’s Day for us this year will be spent visiting with our grandchildren and grown children, out of town. There will likely be the Valentine’s Day cards and small gift-giving, even if the gifts are very cheap from stores like Walmart or Target.

Valentine’s Day gifts for lovers or wives typically mean sending flowers of one kind or another, but considering how overpriced flowers are during the Valentine’s holiday, flowers just never cross our minds to give as a gift to each other. I don’t mind at all either because there is really no good reason I can think of to spend so much money on Valentine’s Day flower bouquets that are just going to die in a few days.

We’ll wait until we arrive at our destination, where the kids and grandkids live, before we embark on buying any cards or inexpensive gift of some kind. The most we will do gift-wise is probably just buy a small toy for the grandchildren and just give cards to the adult kids. Since the grandkids are still very young, any Valentine’s Day gift for him and her may end up being a little toy they can play with to their heart’s content.

Maybe, and it’s a big maybe, we might also give the grown kids a small box of Valentine’s Day heart candy or something similar, if they’re not already sold out at the local stores near our hotel. Valentine’s Day is at the very beginning of our Chicago vacation trip for a week’s visit with the grown children and grandchildren, so planning anything special to do on Valentine’s Day may be a little difficult depending on their work schedules and other family responsibilities.

There is of course the weather to consider as well, so we’re expecting to plan mostly indoor things to do while we’re in Chicago, and spend some time checking out some of the new businesses, fun venues and restaurants that have opened up since we were there last. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re spending Valentine’s Day out of town, playing and having fun with the kids and grandkids, I’d almost say that Valentine’s Day for grandparents is overrated. Why?

Because neither of us are interested in the over-commercialism (materialism) of many of the holidays, especially Valentines Day and Christmas, and just because we’re grandparents doesn’t mean we will make a big deal out of one more holiday pushed on consumers to spend, spend, spend. We’ll just go with inexpensive, cheap, cheaper and cheapest.

If I had the time and inclination to actually make some homemade gifts for Valentine’s Day, like winter scarves or gloves etc, making gifts could almost count as a free Valentine’s Day gift since yarn is so dirt cheap. Since I don’t know how to knit or crochet, nor do I care to learn how, we’ll just make a point of stopping in one of the local stores and pick up something appropriate for the holiday.

From what all the grown kids have said so far while planning this vacation trip, all they care about is having us there for the week and spending time together “hanging out” and doing a bunch of fun activities around town that are soft on the wallet. Theirs and ours, since they pay their own way to each of the places we go while we’re in town.

Our not being expected to pay their way for everything we do and places we go is a great bonus, and we greatly appreciate their pre-planning of their budget to leave some room for spending Valentine’s Day with the grandparents, with their own money. The hugs, kisses, tickles and laughter are all free gifts to each other, and those last a lot longer than some stupid bouquet of flowers anyway.

Similar Posts:

Kids In The Kitchen Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Recipes

Grandma — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:00:10 +0000

The Gooseberry Patch cookbook for kids called Kids in the Kitchen includes recipes that kids of all ages, including preschoolers, toddlers and older kids can enjoy the fun of cooking in the kitchen with mom or dad, or even Grandma and Grandpa.

Kids need to be in the kitchen rather than being shooed away, so children can learn the basics of nutrition, healthy food choices, correct portion sizes and much more. Gooseberry Patch cookbooks are not just for adults, and as a Grandma who raised 6 kids and now has two grandchildren, I love the great ideas found in these cookbooks for kids.

Cooking with kids in the kitchen is a fun activity that should be encouraged rather than discouraged. The Kids in the Kitchen: Recipes for Fun cookbook was designed exclusively with little kids in mind, and the list of recipes found in this cookbook will help little chefs want to learn how to cook lots of good food!

Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook for Kids

This delightful Kids in the Kitchen cookbook is loaded with recipes and goodies kids can make themselves, like “breakfast banana split” and “easy-as-pie spaghetti bake” plus crafty recipes like “homemade face paint”. This children’s cookbook includes thoughtful safety reminders, fun facts and charming full-color artwork too. The wipeable cover and 80 durable pages is kid-friendly and makes a great gift for kids.

The recipes and fun ideas in this cookbook are all easy and quick for kids to prepare and make. A review of the cookbook says, “This cookbook is filled with a lot of wonderful recipes that the kids can really make and they taste great. There is also craft recipes; play clay, face paint, bubble mix, dog biscuits and Goopy goo. Our family has really had a lot of fun with this book—a must have!”

Another reviewer says, “I noticed the cookbook because of the cover and bought it and the monkey measuring spoons for my 8-year old granddaughter. The recipes are kid friendly. My favorite is the breakfast banana split. We love the recipes in the back for bubbles, goop, etc.”

The list of recipes in this kids cookbook goes on and on. Besides those already mentioned, other breakfast meal recipes include things like “toad in the hole”, “jam surprise muffins” and more. Snack recipes include “bagel pizza”, “ham & cheese roll-ups”, “baked French fries” and delectable dessert treats like “crispy monkey pops” that even little kids can make.

Dinner type meals include recipes like “Texas straw hats”, “baked mac & cheese”, “easy cheesy quesadillas”, “easy-as-pie spaghetti bake” and much more. Sections include Breakfast, Anytime Snack, Dinnertime, Desserts and Just For Fun. Little kids will be thrilled to use their imaginations to create new ideas, and there are also adorable kid sized small kitchen utensils like the monkey measuring spoons and the kids apron set that are just the right size for kids.

Kids in the Kitchen Year’round Fun Cookbook is another fun cookbook by Gooseberry Patch with kid-friendly recipes for celebrating year ’round holidays…Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. You’ll even be ready for fun holidays like Friendship Day and Ice Cream Day. Kids will love the recipes for “funny-face pizzas”, “jungle malts”, “twistin’ tomato pasta” and “howlin’ good snack mix”…while parents and grandparents appreciate the safety tips to keep kids safe while cooking in the kitchen.

Similar Posts:

Children’s Books New Releases of Hot New Children’s Books

Grandma — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:00:13 +0000

What are the best brand new children’s books and hot new releases of children’s books for kids? Time will tell if the children’s books listed below will make it on the list of top children’s books of all time or not, but kids love books regardless of whether they are new books or “old” classic books.

USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS 2009″ AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2009. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in 130 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2009 and late 2008.

Below are the winners and finalists of some of the best new releases of children’s books that are expected to be amongst the most popular children’s books in 2010.

Children’s Activity Book

Winner:
The More We Get Together: Nurturing Relationships Through Music, Play, Books and Art by Gari Stein

Children’s Educational

Winner:
My Choices Make Me Who I Am by David and Mutiya Vision, illustrations by Ignacio Alcantara

6 Finalists:
Jacob Has Cancer: His Friends Want to Help by Heather Cooper, RN, Heather Paschal, RN, Melanie Williams, RN and illustrated by Lindsey McMillion

Davy Brown Discovers His Roots by Keely Alexander & Velani Mynhardt WitthÃ¶ft, illustrated by Manuela Pentangelo

Jaspa’s Journey: The Great Migration by Rich Meyrick

The Moose with Loose Poops (Dr. Hippo) by Charlotte Cowan, M.D., illustrated by Penelope Neal

Fraidy Cat by Melinda Chambers, illustrated by Sue Ann Maxwell Spiker

Kyle’s Colorful Life by Drema McNeal, illustrated by Kasey Short

Children’s Fiction

Winner:
Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink by MAC

7 Finalists:
Why Do I Have To? by B. Annye Rothenberg, Ph.D., illustrated David T. Wenzel

Forest Secrets: A Fairy Houses Mystery by Tracy Kane & Kelly Sanders, illustrations by Tracy Kane

Running Home by Jennifer Charron Ward

The Grey Ghost (Wolf’s Apprentice) by Julie Hahnke, illustrated by Marcia Christensen

The Idea Miners: The Lost Lake Dig by P.W. Cross

The Last Fairy by Augustine Campana

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

Little Wolf’s Adventure: A Medicine Dream and Warrior Ghosts by Nona Burroughs Babcock

Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit

Winner:
Another Sad Mad Glad Book – The Anatomy of Your Attitude by Chuck Stump & Jim Strawn

7 Finalists:
Where Do We Go? by James F. Weinsier, illustrated by Cliff Beaman

Sarah’s Waterfall: A Healing Story by Ellery Akers, illustrated by Angelique Benicio

The 4Fairy Scents: 4Fairy Tales: Book 1 by Tina Marie Mayr

What Are You Thinking? by Valerie Ackley, illustrated by Lori Nawyn

Fraidy Cat by Melinda Chambers, illustrated by Sue Ann Maxwell Spiker

Grandpa, Do It! I Do It, Too! by Grandma Sue

Make Your Dreams Come True by Karen Reed Hadalski

Children’s Non-Fiction

WinnerÂ :
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Seeing Is Believing! by Geoff Tibballs

3 Finalists:
Nana, What’s Cancer? by Beverlye Hyman Fead and Tessa Mae Hamermesh, illustrated by Shennen Bersani

Soil: More Than Just Dirt by Jerry Wermund

Tween You & Me: A Preteen Guide to Becoming Your Best Self by Deb Dunham

Children’s Novelty & Gift Book

Winner:
Elephant, Elephant Come Alive! by Steven P. Winkle, illustrated by Christie Mealo

2 Finalists:
Meet President Obama America’s 44th President by Angi Ma Wong

Tressi’s Magical Chest Series – Samantha and the Legend of the Whispering Trees by J.A. Kundert

Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Fiction

Winner:
Darryl and the Mountain by Lynne Emily Ozgur, illustrated by Ismail Abay

8 Finalists:
Circus Fever by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs

Beautiful Moon by Dawn Jeffers, illustrated by Bonnie Leick

Can’t Catch a Butterfly by Michelle Zimmerman

Kid Canine – Superhero! By P.T. Custard, illustrations by P.T. Custard & David Pearson

Nicholas, that’s Ridiculous! A Story About Being a Boy by Christa Carpenter, illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams

Nico & Lola: Kindness Shared Between a Boy and a Dog by Meggan Hill, photography by Susan M. Graunke

The Little Green Pea by Alison Barber, illustrated by Paige Keiser

Too Tall Alice by Barbara Worton, illustrated by Dom Rodi

Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Fiction w/ Audio CD

Winner:
Tino Turtle Travels to Kenya – The Great Safari by Carolyn L. Ahern, illustrated by Neallia Burt-Sullivan

2 Finalists:
The Ugly Caterpillar / La Oruga Fea by Carl Sommer, illustrated by Greg Budwine

The Belly Button Fairy by Bobbie Hinman, illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams

Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Non-Fiction

Winner:
What Does It Mean to Be Global? by Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Chris Hill

8 Finalists:
Let My Colors Out by Courtney Filigenzi, illustrated by Shennen Bersani

A Is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet by Anthony D. Fredericks, illustrated by Laura Regan

Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Peace Prize by Kathy-Jo Wargin and illustrated by Zachary Pullen

S Is for Save the Planet: A How-to-be Green Alphabet by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss

Raising Lucy – The True Story of Raising an Orphaned Wild Goose written and illustrated by Carol Muzik

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Twist Series: Human Body by Camilla de la Bedoyere

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Twist Series: Space by Dr. Mike Goldsmith

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Twist Series: Wild Animals by Camilla de la Bedoyere

Children’s Picture Book – Softcover Fiction

Winner:
Four Pals at the Park by Angel Tucker and Robert A. Rohm, Ph.D.

6 Finalists:
Claire Bear Presents the Pilot Alphabet by Sue Hughes, illustrated by Wang DaiYu

Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy by Tina Turbin, illustrated by Aija Jasuna

Mabel Takes a Paddle by Emily Chetkowski, illustrations by Susan Spellman

Spitz A Cat With Attitude by Carolyn Garriott, illustrations by Jason Weibel

What Can We Do Next? The Adventures of Lexie and Lolly by Toula Magi

Hooray for the Circus: A Story of Sam the Lamb by Ginger DeVine, illustrations by MikeMotz.com

Children’s Picture Book – Softcover Non-Fiction

WinnerÂ :
Be A Thinker Not a Stinker: A story for kids and the big people they love by Sammie & Tudie

8 Finalists:
A Child’s View of a Prairie by Susan C. McDermott

Amazing Creatures, photography by Deborah Oelrich

AUTISM ABC by Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg, illustrations by Rachael Mahaffey

Daddy Loves You: Whispers of Wisdom from a Father’s Heart by Michael J. Hervey, II, M.D.

Gene the Pumpkin Man: 50th Year of the Pumpkin Farm by Carol Rhodes

Herman The Jester and The ABC’s of Art by Rafael Filion

I’m Not Weird, I Have SPD by Chynna T. Laird

Nettie Does the NCT: North Country Trail by Lorana A. Jinkerson, illustrated by Toby Mikle

Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, says of the awards, now in their seventh year, “The 2009 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of NBBA, this year’s winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.”

A complete list of the winners and finalists of the USA Book News’ “Best Books 2009″ Awards in other popular categories are available online at USABookNews.com.

Similar Posts: