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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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)

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.
 

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."

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.

Hearing God ... Finding His Peace

-Mary May Larmoyeux- A little granddaughter had a bad habit of sucking her thumb. She was trying to stop but ... read more.

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. 

Connecting With Your Grandkids

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not Long to Live

- by Mary May Larmoyeux - Most 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.                                                                                                                                                  

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.

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.

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 ... 

read more.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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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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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.