Welcome to a place where we can share ideas about grandparenting, especially ways to pass spiritual values and family stories to the next generation.

Mary is the co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart.
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Co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Christmas traditions


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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought
by Mary May Larmoyeux

Hope that you had wonderful Thanksgiving holidays!

The day after Thanksgiving my Christmas preparations began. My 8-year-old granddaughter helped me make gingerbread houses. Her 10-year-old cousin will visit in a couple of weeks and we'll also make some gingerbread houses together. With six grandchildren and friends, we have a lot to make!

It takes work to bake and assemble so many gingerbread houses, but they are an important part of our family holiday traditions. Other traditions include making a bed for the nativity figure of Baby Jesus. We put a pile of pine straw by the manger. When someone does a secret act of kindness honoring Jesus, he/she secretly puts a piece of straw in the manger for Jesus' bed. On Christmas morning we put the Christ Child figure on the pine straw bed made to honor our Lord.

Helen Austin, a regular contributor to Encouraging Women with Hearts for their Homes ezine, often makes holiday potpourri (the non-edible type) at this time of year. She shares her recipe in the holiday issue of the free ezine. It also has articles about managing holiday stress, giving exceptional gifts, making wise Christmas choices, and much more.

What are some of your family's Christmas traditions?

Have a wonderful week,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com

Photo and post © 2012 by Mary May Larmoyeux.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Autumn Leaves


Friday’s Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

I love autumn! It's my favorite season.

Last week, the Maple Tree on the side of our house was turning brilliant shades of gold. Towering at least 30 feet into the air, as I looked at its branches I remembered Pops planting it decades ago. In my mind I can still see our children posing for pictures by its trunk ... year after year.

Usually this Maple's golden leaves can be enjoyed for weeks, but this year was different. Storms moved through Arkansas at the end of October, and now the hues of yellow and red and orange that painted trees in our neighborhood are virtually gone. Their beauty sure ended far sooner that I anticipated.

Looking at the half-bare limbs reminded me of James 4:14, "... you do not even know what will happen tomorrow."

It makes me think that time moves on ... that like our children, our grands are growing up. Tomorrow is not promised, but we have today.

Well, that's my Tuesday Thought! Do autumn leaves hold any special memories for you?

He is able,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com

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© 2009 by Mary May Larmoyeux.
Photo © 2008 by Mary May Larmoyeux.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Honoring our Veterans


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Friday's Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

"On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War. Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars." (according to History.com)

On November 11 we will pause to honor U.S. veterans. Because of their courage, we are a free nation. I'm reminded of a quote by Dwight Eisenhower, "In the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy as a prisoner's chains."

Now would be a great time to talk with the grandkids about members of the family who served in the Armed Forces. Pops' father and mine served in World War II. Did some in your family serve in the military?

One of the most interesting people I have ever met was Retired Lt. Colonel Roy Kaden. He flew a top secret mission in the 1950s; his family did not know about this until 50 years later. Like to know more? Read "Just Another Day for an American Hero." You and your grandchild might want to read this together, or you could e-mail or text him/her the link.

Here are some other ideas for you and your grandchild to do on Veterans Day:

  • Go to a local Veterans Day parade
  • Research the History of Veterans Day
  • Interview a member of the family who served in the military
  • Display the American flag in front of your home or business
How do you remember the brave men and women who served our country?

He is able,
Mary
http://www.marymaywrites.com/


Photo and post © by Mary May Larmoyeux. All right reserved.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

An Election Day thought



Friday’s Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

The first Tuesday in November is finally here —Election Day in the U.S. 

Regardless of who you and I vote for President, the outcome will affect generations to come. Today is a good day to pray that God will have mercy on our nation and guide all of our future leaders.

I find great comfort in the following verses. They remind me that no mater how various elections turn out, God is in control.

"He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them." (Job 12:23)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

He is able,
Mary
http://www.marymaywrites.com/
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com/

Article and photo © Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Presidential election



Friday’s Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux

Regardless of your political party, isn't it wonderful that we live in a free country and can vote!

Do you remember going to the polls to vote with your parents? I do. We waited in line at an elementary school near our house. Somehow at a very young age I realized that voting was a privilege not to be taken lightly.

Today would be a great day to share voting memories with a grandchild by the stroke of the pen, a phone call, or e-mail. How has the voting process changed in your lifetime? (My parents sure didn't vote on computer screens!)

We could also talk with grandchildren about the cost of freedom—the men and women who gave (and are giving) their lives so that we can vote. We might ask our older grandchildren to tell us about their hopes and dreams and pray with them for the future of our nation.

Also, we could jot our grandchildren a note reminding them that regardless of the outcome of any election, God is always in control. As Psalm 103:19 tells us: The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”

Enjoy the weekend,
Mary
http://www.marymaywrites.com/
http://grandconnection.blogspot.com/

Article © Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.
Photo © Cameron Collingwood / Dreamstime.com