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.
Visit www.legacyconnection.org
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Co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Choosing a Bible Verse for 2021

More than twenty years ago, a friend encouraged me to choose a Bible verse for the new year. I took that advice, and am so glad I did!
In 2020 I selected two verses—Psalm ... read more.

Monday, December 21, 2020

That First Christmas Morning



Christmas is almost here. Imagine that morning thousands of years ago when Jesus took His first breath. What were the colors of the sky? Picture the animals surrounding Jesus … the smells and sounds. And... read more.

Monday, December 7, 2020

How to Make a Salt Dough Nativity


A very long time ago I bought a handmade ceramic Nativity set. Every year when I unpack it, it feels like an old friend who has come back home.

... But one of my favorite Nativity sets is one my grandkids made years ago. You might want to make one for your family ... . read more.



Monday, November 30, 2020

Ways to Keep Your Focus on Christ This Christmas



-by Mary May Larmoyeux- As watch countless ads for Christmas gifts, do you ever wonder, Where is Christ in Christmas?

Here are some ideas to help keep your focus on the real meaning of Christmas     ... read more.


Monday, November 23, 2020

Good News about New Grandparenting Book


Good news about my new book, One-of-a-Kind Grandparent Connection: Building a Legacy with Your Grandchild! You can now purchase it from bookstores, as well as from  Amazon. If your ... read more.


 

Monday, November 16, 2020

Thanksgiving Placemats


As Thanksgiving approaches, you might want to make some special placemats for the family, ones designed to express gratitude for those you love. For example, if a new baby or grandchild... read more.


Monday, November 9, 2020

10 Thanksgiving Ideas


by Mary May Larmoyeux- Thanksgiving will soon arrive. Here are some ideas that could help the kids (and everyone in the family) be more grateful in this season of thanks ... read more.

 Are you looking for ways to connect with your grandkids (kids, nieces, nephews ...)? Order a copy of One of a Kind Grandparent Connection: Building a Legacy with Your Grandchild (available on Amazon and at bookstores)


Monday, November 2, 2020

What Matters




The plan was to fold laundry while he played,” Theresa said on her Facebook page, “and then he crawled up in my lap and this happened.”

... read more

Monday, October 26, 2020

Let's Make a Thanksgiving Tree


A few years ago our family started a new tradition: making a Thanksgiving tree. We begin with a small plastic tree that’s designed for ... read more.





Monday, October 5, 2020

Discovering Your Message


by Mary May Larmoyeux – When you look across our troubled world today, do you ever think about the message of your life? That question came to my mind one morning  as I was ... read more.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Why Your Prayers Matter

Are you like me, sometimes praying words of trust and hope while hanging onto worry? Do you ever wonder, “Do my prayers matter … does God even hear?” Author Max Lucado says in his book Discovering the Power of Prayer: “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is ...  read more. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Wonderful Pumpkin Pie Cake



by
Mary May Larmoyeux - After a long, hot summer, I'm sure looking forward to cooler days, colorful autumn leaves, and eating pumpkin pie cake — one of our family's favorite desserts! We've had it so much in our home that when I take a bite of pumpkin pie cake, I'm reminded ... read more.




Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Make some special memories


As a new mom, I vividly recall older mothers telling me how quickly the boys would grow up. I knew that they were right, but somehow in the midst of  changing diapers and rocking babies, that “someday” seemed far, far away. Now, I am ... read more.


Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Remembering September 11



Some days are forever etched in our hearts and minds. Days like Christmas … and Valentine’s … and September 11, 2001. Do you ... read more.
 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

It's almost Grandparents Day!


How will you honor the grandparents in your life on national Grandparents Day? Held in the U.S. on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year Grandparents Day will be  ... Read more."


Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Make Some School Bookmarks


Now is a great time to make some special bookmarks for the school-age kids and grandkids. Yes, this is the age of the Internet. But ... read more.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Grandparents Connect at the Beginning of School

What are some ways for grandparents to connect with their grandkids during this very unusual school year? How could grandparents bring a little calm to a grandchild’s heart? Here are some ideas.  ... read more. 



Friday, July 31, 2020

Connecting With Your Grandkids

One-of-a-Kind Grandparent Connection

I love being a grandparent and have grandkids who live nearby and far away. That’s why I wrote One-of-a-Kind Grandparent Connection: Building a Legacy with Your Grandchild.

“Through the pages of this book,” I said in the introduction, “you will choose intentional ways to connect with your grandchild. You are not striving to be a perfect grandparent; there is ... read more.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

What Are the Pillars of Your Family History?



When Carnegie Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, was razed back in 1964, Carl Martin picked up 16 limestone drums and loaded them into his truck. The Martin Family later ...  read more



Tuesday, July 14, 2020

How About an Indoor Picnic?



Whether it’s too hot, too cold, or “just right” outside, the temperature is perfect for an indoor picnic, especially if you live in a city. Begin by... read more.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Let's Make Homemade Play Dough


 Are you looking for a relaxing activity to do with your kids or grandkids? One of the things our young grandkids love to do is make things with playdough. ...   Here’s the recipe.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

What Role Does Faith Play in Our Nation?

What role does faith play in our nation? A newspaper ad about this once caught my eye. It reminded me of the importance of telling our children and grandchildren what our founders said about faith and government. ... read more.


Wednesday, June 24, 2020

The Good Ole Days


“This reminded me of a wonderful way of life,” my friend Carroll Hertzfeldt once said.

” … Of course that was all before my mom ‘abused’ us by giving us a good lickin’ on the butt. Well deserved for ... read more.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Writing a Story for Your Legacy


Do you remember something especially wise that your dad or grandad once told you or did? Perhaps a memory that was etched on your heart? My friend Delores Bull still remembers “what daddy didn’t say.” With her permission, I share ...  read more.


Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Honoring Dad or Granddad on Father's Day


How will you honor your dad this year on Father’s Day (June 16)?  I wish my dad were still alive so I could personally thank him for the countless things he did for me and our family! As ... Read more.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Encouraging Words For Hard Times


One more week … one more day … one more hour. Have you been in a season of life when it’s just hard to see the dawn because of unknown troubles the day will bring? A season when you need some encouraging words? ... read more.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Not Long to Live


- by Mary May LarmoyeuxMost of us know that life is short, but somehow think we will have another day. What would you do differently if you knew you only had a few more years … a few more months … a few more  read more.                                                                                                                                                  

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Fragile Freedom


Because of the coronavirus, there won’t be large groups at Memorial Day celebrations this year. No big crowds of people gathering together to watch a community fireworks display. But we will still pause to remember ... read more.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Is life confusing to you today?



Does life seem confusing to you today? Does it sometimes seem to make no sense? I'm reminded of a lesson I began to learn when a ringing landline once interrupted my morning coffee. ... read more.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

The Prayer of a Single Mom


by Rita Goodgame 

I sit within Saturday morning walls of solitude and warm both hands cupped around my Bluestone java mug.

Eight-year-old Dan waits, staring out the same old window ... 

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The children of my children


Several years ago, my then four-year-old grandson said something that just melted my heart. I was driving his big sis and him to a local farm to see some animals. “Nana,” he unexpectedly said from the backseat of the car, “I love you!” “I love you”–three simple words. Yet ...
read more.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Anxious ... Overwhelmed? 10 Bible Verses to Calm Your Fears

There are times in life that test our faith. The death of a child … declaration of war  … dread of the unknown. Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom understands such times. Years ago she wrote about a childhood conversation she had with her father when ... read more

Monday, April 6, 2020

Linda Apple, author and grandmother of 13, said: "Every page in this book speaks towards intentionally connecting with our grandchildren. …The abundance of ideas and gentle wisdom in every chapter whirled in my mind and motivated me ..."    read more.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Websites for the Kids


Now is a great time to check out some fun websites for your kids and grandkids. Here are some to consider: Highlights Kids  is filled with puzzles, hidden pictures, science questions and answers, and more. Storybird is great for budding writers and encourages creativity. Children not only can create ... read more.


Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Indoor Fun for Kids Cooped Up Inside



Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many kids are now cooped up inside. That means plenty of time for inside activities. Here are a few ideas ideas to help pass the day ...   Read more.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Remember these 3 Things in Troubled Times



As you hear news about national disasters and the coronavirus, do you ever want to shout, “Enough! I can’t take this anymore”? During troubled times, do you sometimes ask yourself, “When will the these difficulties stop?” When the news is too negative … Read more.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Why are Grandparents Special?


As a child, I loved being with my Nana and Grandpa. Life just seemed to stop at their home. I remember drawing pretend houses with them on big pieces of brown paper—cutting out the furniture from a Sears Catalog. And what fun it was to try to walk in Nana and Grandpa’s yard on a pair of stilts. There’s just something special ... read more.


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Baptism of a Grandchild



Our oldest grandchild was baptized years ago, but I still remember the day. Pops and I were there and it was wonderful!

We wanted to give this granddaughter a baptism gift and decided on read more ...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Discover Simple Things in Life

As you look around the world today, do you think of simple things? Probably not. To me, it seems like technology is too often replacing everyday commonplace joys. Like stopping to delight in the brilliance of a sunflower, going on nature walks with children, getting to know a ... read more.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Valentine's Day Ideas for the Office


Mary May Larmoyeux – Valentine’s Day is almost here with its promises of chocolate candy, long-stemmed roses, and never-ending love. For many Valentine’s Day is filled with heartfelt pledges and hopes for tomorrow. But for others … it’s just a cruel reminder of shattered dreams. For those of us ... read more.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

7 Valentine's Ideas for the Kids



-by Mary May Larmoyeux-Valentine’s Day is almost here with its countless reminders of love. This year, on February 14th, why not do something special with your children or grandchildren? Here are 7 Valentine’s ideas ... read more.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

How About a Little Love Bear?



As Valentine's Day nears, I'm reminded of a special bear. A few years ago my friend Suzanne told me about her family's "love bear." She and her husband take turns hiding it in drawers, shoes, in the glove box of the car, etc. Whenever one of them finds the bear, they are... read more.

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Homemade stencils from cardboard fun


The flu has begun this year, leaving many children recovering at home. I’m reminded of several years ago when a couple of my grandkids were sick, and I was taking care of them. With Pops’ help, we made ... read more.


Tuesday, January 7, 2020

A Way to Show Your Spouse You Care


My husband loves to tinker with vintage automobiles. In fact, he’s restoring an old car right now. When Jim talks about something having a 350 or ... read more.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Choosing a Verse for the Year


Over the last few weeks I’ve been thumbing through my Bible, looking for a verse to focus on for 2020. That may sound like an easy task, but it has been quite the opposite. I've finally decided on ... read more.