While thinking back on my mother-in-law’s funeral and how it affected our children and grandchildren, I began wondering what parting message I would want to leave for those grieving my death. Our daughter Kari wrote a lovely funeral poem that I have shared with my visitors. My brother-in-law has it hanging on the living room wall, in a small way to keep Mom Mom near. As I sat here at the computer tonight, the following poem came to mind. I want my children and grandchildren to know that I am …

Columbus Sailed
Author Unknown
Columbus sailed from far off Spain
A long, long time ago.
He had three ships that only moved
When winds would pull and blow.
We’re mighty glad he was so brave
And every year we tell
Of how he found America
The land we love so well
Christopher Columbus
Meish Goldish
Christopher Columbus was one of a kind.
A way to the Indies he wanted to find.
People said, “Chris, you’ll never succeed.”
But he had a plan, he had a need.
Sailing from Spain was Chris’ idea,
On the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
People said, “Chris, you’ll fall off the …

Having the grandchildren over for Trick or Treating or visiting on a day close to Halloween? Are you short on time for preparing Halloween party treats to serve them? Or, do you enjoy cooking with children? Here are sandwich, soup, and spooky ghost dessert Halloween party treats that will be fun to prepare for lunch or supper (with or for your grandchildren) and won’t take too much time:
Pumpkin Shaped Sandwiches
Total time: 45 minutes
Makes 12
Ingredients:
1 box (15 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
6 oz sliced extra-sharp Cheddar, Swiss or American cheese
1 large egg, lightly …

Did you make the Spooky Ghost Cookies shown in the picture with your older grandchildren yet to add to their Halloween fun? For your younger grandchildren, here are 3 quick and easy Halloween cookies to make. They really are creepy and yummy, too!
With your grandchildren, you can make Bloodshot Eyeballs, Spiders, and Funny Bugs. You’ll find the recipes below. Each fun Halloween cookie recipe makes just one scary creation so mix and match to make as many as needed.
 
Bloodshot Eyeballs
Ingredients:

2 fudge-covered chocolate sandwich cookies
1 tablespoon Fluffy White Frosting (see previous …

Kids of all ages will enjoy these Halloween cookie recipes!
Halloween is a fun time to bake with your grandchildren. Cooking activities can be a great way to use skills your grandchildren are learning in school, such as reading, following directions, sequencing, fractions, measuring, motor skills, and creativity.
If you find your grandchild is very into cooking, encourage his or her interest. Not only is it an enjoyable hobby, it can be a rewarding career. The Spooky Ghosts Halloween cookie recipe is recommended for older grandchildren. You’ll find the Spooky Ghosts recipe below. 
For your younger grandchildren, I recommend the …

Sometimes we think we always have tomorrow to say thank you or I love you to our grandparents, parents, children, friends…. But, eventually, we may run out of tomorrows. This has happened to me three times.
I always thought there would be tomorrow. I put off what I wanted to say, but I never got the chance with three people very dear to me. So, now I say “I love you” everyday and I take the time to wave goodbye from the door…or when I think of someone close to my heart, I …

Grandchild,
If apples were pears and peaches were plums
and the rose had a different name,
If tigers were bears and fingers were thumbs,
Nana would love you just the same.
~ Anonymous ~

Today is October 2. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today my best friend’s daughter had surgery to remove both breasts. Her daughter is just 25.
The young woman’s grandmother had breast cancer, her aunt had breast cancer, and she had a small lump removed this year. The biopsy proved it was cancerous but confined. The doctor advised she have genetic testing…so she did. She carries the gene. He also advised after having children, she should have the surgery to remove both breasts. The young woman chose not to wait. She …