Walk under an umbrella. Hunt for puddles to jump in. Sing and dance in the rain. Fill containers and measure the rain. Draw in wet sand. Draw with chalk on a wet surface. Make nature boats. Catch raindrops on your tongue. Build a dam. Go for a nature walk and look for creatures ..read more

It's that time of year again! Dig out your box of Easter baskets and plastic eggs. Here's a quick list of useful options (instead of candy or foods) to fill Easter eggs: small stickers bouncy balls puzzle pieces lego pieces necklaces flexible bracelets rings earrings character erasers plastic bugs charms shells mini yoyos marbles jacks jokes on a paper strip keychains shoelaces balloons hairbands colorful bandaids zipper pulls "grow" capsules pirate eye patches Check the Dollar Stores and Party City for supplies ..read more

websiteLunch is that midday meal we often grab on the go or perhaps nibble on as we work through a To Do list. But don't you agree that the best lunch is when we find an opportunity to stop the day and enjoy munching food with friends and kids? Here are some suggestions to make those lunchtimes just plain FUN!    1. Pack a brown bag for each person. Fill small snack bags with nibbles like crackers, cheerios, baby carrots, teddy grahams, grapes, etc. Write a name on each bag in puffy paint!  2. ​Load the picnic basket with goodies and ..read more

My Handy List for Camp Grandma Bargain Hunts:  Camp Grandma needs a few treasures to enhance your theme and playtime. It's always fun to have a special closet with a few bins or trunks labeled "JUST FOR GRANDKIDS". Keep your eyes open for bargain goodies at garage sales, resale shops, dollar stores, and Good Will: Dress-up clothes: princess dresses, funky hats, vests, boas, scarves, over-sized glasses Books: picture books, ABC books, non-fiction Playdough accessories: tools, playsets, small rolling pins, cookie cutters Toys with wheels: miniature cars, ride-on toys, small bicycles, sco ..read more

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day! Woohoo! Here are a few ways to applaud the wonderful men and women who faithfully attempt to educate our future movers and shakers: ​ 1. Teach your child to say thank you as they leave the classroom each day. 2. Send a sweet treat or home baked goodies. 3. Give a coffee or restaurant gift card. 4. Ask what classroom supplies are needed and buy them. 5. Give a gift card to a Teacher Store. 6. Send a thank you note each time your child accomplishes something monumental. 7. Volunteer in the classroom weekly, or even occasionally. 8. Tell the principal what an i ..read more

      ​​      ​      A photo booth adds character and silliness to your photos. It’s a sideshow unlike any other and produces hilarious pictures. It pulls kids into the action while painlessly giving you easy shots. Designate a spot with a simple backdrop and props. Set up a bench or stool in front of a backdrop. Add good light sources, such as windows, a pole lamp, a spotlight, or sunlight. Assemble a tote filled with an assortment of photo accessories. Search garage sales, resale shops, and discount stores for large glasses ..read more

​      Documenting Camp Grandma is part of the glue that binds one year to the next. Whether you make a digital version or a handmade one, resolve to assemble your photo memories in a tangible way. I prefer to assemble scrapbooks by  hand, but I know grandparents who have mastered the digital process and make beautiful hardbound books. Pick one way. The goal is to record memories!       If a scrapbook seems overwhelming, look over the following  simplified version of how to assemble a scrapbook with photo prints, colored paper, and stickers. Buy suppli ..read more

Speaking of snow...if you can gather your grandchildren in the winter for a day or two, here are a few ideas for a simple snow-themed gathering. Theme: Let It Snow! Decorations: snowflakes, snowmen, Let It Snow banner/flag/sign,  ​snow fort molds, snow shovel, sleds Surprises: new mittens, saucer sleds, fake snowballs Activities: go sledding, build a snowman and a snow fort, stage an indoor snowball fight Crafts: cut out snowflakes, make a snow globe, tie fleece blankets Food: snow ice cream, snow cones, snow flake cut-out cooki ..read more

I was contacted by Mijha, one of the co-founders of Jambo Books, to preview their Jambo Book Club recently. (FYI: "Jambo" means "Hello" in Swahili!) Mijha and her husband created Jambo Books to offer high-quality books starring children of color in situations where children's literature rarely places them - making friends, raising pets, loving grandparents, and fighting dragons. The focus is on finding books to give children books with a diverse, vibrant, and kind vision of the world. The box of books sent to me was wonderful. The books came in colorful packaging, and I loved the st ..read more

"Change is possible, but focus is required. So pick just ONE WORD." ~ Mike Ashcroft I read the book, My One Word, by Mike Ashcroft and Rachel Olsen, over ten years ago, and have encouraged many people to join me in this annual habit. It's a life-changing process. Today's newsletter explains how to pick a My One Word for yourself. It's good with kids too, but that's another blog post! Here we go: Consider what issues are bothering you? What comes up frequently and you sigh and wish you were different? Do you watch yourself doing the same thing again and again, thinking this has to ..read more