All About Being an LDS GrandParent and Staying Connected to Your Grandchildren… Eternally!

GrandParenting is GRAND!

A good friend recently pointed out to me, that an expert is someone with experience.  That reality, struck a chord with this LDS Grandparent!  Since I’m always thinking about, and writing about being an LDS GrandParent these day, and being reminded of this fact – I realized that grandparents are really EXPERT PARENTS…  and that is exactly what makes us so GRAND!

Think about it? How many years were you, or have you been a first generation parent.  For me, my oldest will turn 30 in May.  My youngest is a senior in high school.  That means, that I have been in practice now, for nearly 30 years, and counting!  Now, you tell me if all these years of experience, does not make me, an “expert parent”?  You can’t!

Every parent, has the potential to someday, be GRAND!  If things go well, you can even be GRAND and GREAT!  And, if things go really really well, we can become GLORIOUS!

The cycle of life, is so beautiful.   Each one of us begin as completely inexperienced parents, with the arrival of our first baby.  Most of what we know about being a parent, will come from how we were parented ourselves.  So in essence,  we already have the potential right then and there, to be grand.  Every step of progression in this life, is based on previous experience – whether we are conscious of this or not.  Our responsibility as children of God, is to take whatever our experiences have been, learn from them — and be better!

EVERY GENERATION BETTER!

I have always taught my own children, that I expect them to be  better parents to their own children, that I was to them.  Mind you, I am not putting myself down.  I believe that this is how we grow.  I have always hoped, that I took from my own childhood of being “parented” – and tried with even greater diligence, to be the best parent that I knew how to be, to my own children.

As LDS GrandParents, we are so blessed to have the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in our lives.  We are so blessed to have had years of experience in learning how to apply these principles of the gospel, to the raising of our children.   I can’t tell you how many times over the years, that I tried to parent without applying the teachings of Jesus Christ.  I didn’t realize it, but I was trying to do things, in ways that I thought best.  It took some failures as a parent, to more fully understand the power of parenting, through the principles of the gospel.

One of the most beautiful principles of parenting, that I have come to understand and love, is that of individual agency.  Learning to trust in this eternal principle, as the means by which our children and grandchildren will progress — has truly been GRAND!

To be GRAND, is to have learned through our own experiences, to do that which is good.  To be an LDS Grand-Parent, is to have come to a place,  ready to become even more like our Heavenly Father…

tDMg

LdsNana

{ 3 comments }

The New LDS Gospel Art Book

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints has an excellent new teaching resource for parents, teachers and of course – the LDS Grandparent. Because, after all, what is a Grand-Parent but a  Teacher!  The Gospel Art Book, is a wonderful collection of the most beloved LDS illustrations, paintings and photographs – bound together in a sturdy spiral notebook.  It is portable and compact, keeps pages together, and can be displayed on an easel.

This book contains 137 pictures that can be used in the home or at church to enrich gospel teaching and learning. The pictures are organized into six sections: (1) Old Testament, (2) New Testament, (3) Book of Mormon, (4) Church History, (5) Gospel in Action, and (6) Latter-day Prophets.

You can view a beautiful promo video about the Gospel Art Book, here.

The Gospel Art Book is being made available through LDS Distribution, at an amazingly low price of only $3.50.  ( I sound like an infomercial:-) 

I now know exactly, what EACH of my grandchildren will be receiving from grandma and grandpa – this Easter.  This would also make a wonderful gift for a birthday, baptism day, birth of a new baby – new member, or even a wedding present.  The value of such a great resource, is beyond its monetary price.  This should be in every home in the Church.  I am just so thrilled with the new LDS Gospel Art Book!

Easy instructions for how to make your own easel, can be found on LDS.org. What a great activity to do together, with your grandchildren, for Family Home Evening. I also found these small easels – very basic, at Amazon, which look perfect for supporting the Gospel Art Book.  I especially love the fact that you get a dozen of them, for one small price!  Great gift idea!

I’ve already placed my order with LDS Distribution, for my Gospel Art Book(s). You can even order them by the case, for an even lower per unit price, which is what I did.  Don’t we as LDS Grandparents, just love THAT!

tDMg

LdsNana

N0te: Orders through LDS Distribution run about 2-3 weeks for delivery.

{ 0 comments }

Staying Connected With Our Grandchildren

There are so many creative ways for an LDS GrandParent, to stay connected with their grandchildren, today.  Through the use of the Internet, whether it is on Facebook, via email, etc…  you can let your grandchildren know, that you are thinking of them!  One of the easiest and most fun ways that I have found to do this, is through short video-clips.

One of the most popular websites for video sharing, is YouTube.  Anyone can share videos that they have made, with others -  through YouTube. When someone uploads a video on to YouTube – it is then available  for you and I, to view.  Not only can we watch it on YouTube, but a link is also provided, so that you can simply copy and paste it, and share it anywhere online that you would like!  It’s  so easy.

Every person, that has an account on YouTube, gives it a name which is referred to as a CHANNEL.  For instance, just recently – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints, created a YouTube account, under the name of  MormonMessages. If you really enjoy a particular channel, you can join YouTube, and subscribe to their videos.  It’s absolutely free.  Even I have a little channel of my own, called LdsNanaAskMormon.  It’s not much, but I am there. However – joining YouTube is not necessary to view and share videos.

Just as there are great LDS blogs online, so too are many faithful members of the Church, utilizing YouTube to help teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ – through video blogging.  These videos, are wonderful teaching tools for an LDS GrandParent to help teach and  share the gospel, with their own grandchildren.

When I find great videos that I think LDS GrandParents would enjoy, I like to post then here on The LDS GrandParent Place.  If ever you want to then share these same videos, all you need to do, is double click through the video – and you will be immediately taken to YouTube – where a link is provided, for that video.

Today, I want to share with you this wonderful video that your grandchildren are sure to love.  It is entitled “Fight The Good Fight“  and is provided by MormonSoprano.  One of the desires that I have as an LDS GrandParent, is to teach my grandchildren a love for the scriptures, and their purpose here on earth.  This video is sure to excite my grandchildren, and open a door where we can have a gospel chat.  Not only that, in sharing it with them – again, they will know that I am thinking about them; and also know what I am thinking about!

Video link for sharing –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWxtrnKtReo  (just cut and paste that link wherever you want to share it:-)

There are so many wonderful LDS videos that are available. I am so thankful to those who take the time to share their talents, in such an effective way. Depending on the ages of your grandchildren, you can easily find the perfect video for sharing.

Here is a list of some of my favorite LDS YouTube Channels:

LDSPublicAffairs - The official channel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints.

Boncomdotcom -  Provider of the very well done, HomeFront video series.  A division of Bonneville International.

SethAdamSmith -  A great advocate of sharing the Gospel online, through the use of beautiful videos.

lds999 – Videos about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), its beliefs, and its members.

moregoodfoundation – Sharing the Gospel, online -to do more good.

tDMg

LdsNana

{ 0 comments }

Grandkids are going to love these Whoopie Pies!

I normally don’t spend a lot of  time  thinking  about “making” food.   The days of having to come up with dinners, etc…. day after day – are long gone for this Nana!  But this LDS GrandParent, as you know, is getting ready to head out for a visit with the grandchildren.  New babies coming, and as I’ve already let you know – I become the cook!

This predicament, has caused me to try and get a little organized before I arrive.   Thanks to the help of many good folks, I’ve been gathering together some really easy kid-friendly recipes,  that I can whip together in no time!

Just this morning, The New York Times, ran a fun story about WHOOPIE PIES!  Have you heard of them?  First time for me, but when I saw them I immediately thought of how much my grandchildren would likely love these fun treats.  Looking at the pictures of  a Whoopie Pie – they appear as thought they shouldn’t be too difficult.

So, I set off to find the EASIEST recipe for WHOOPIE PIES that I could possibly find!  Here’s what I came up with, from our friends at About.com!

Make these delicious filled cakes in a big batch and freeze in containers, separated by wax paper.

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp. shortening
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 c. milk
• 5 tbsp. cocoa
• 2 1/4 c. flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. salt
• Filling:
• 1/2 c. shortening
• 1 1/4 c. confectionerys’ sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 or 2 tbsp. milk
• 3/4 c. marshmallow creme

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream together shortening, sugar and cocoa. Add egg, flour, salt, baking soda, vanilla and milk. Drop onto greased baking sheet by teaspoonful. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until firm. Cool and fill with filling. Cream together shortening and sugar. Add vanilla, marshmallow and enough milk to make a fluffy filling. Beat well and spread on the flat side of one cookie; top with a second cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Makes about 2 dozen 2 1/2- to 3-inch sandwich cookies.

If you have a great recipe for these Whoopie Pies, I would love for you to share it with us.  I’m also holding out some hope, that one of  YOU will have an even easier Whoopie Pie recipe…

You could also try this healthy version of Whoopie Pies – Great Tips for whatever recipe you choose!

tDMg

LdsNana
Photo Credit: New York Times

{ 5 comments }

As an LDS Grandparent, do you have specific rules, whether you have listed them or not – that you tend to stick to for good grandparenting practices?  To even consider that there just might very well be, a few basic rules for grandparents, might be big news to you!  Well, I have thought about it – and have even come up with a list of grandparenting rules, that I DO apply.  My rules for being a good grandparent, are quite simple.  When I sat down to determine what I thought would be the Best 10 Rules For GrandParents – here is what I came up with, from my personal experience…..

1. Always have a small “sweet-treat” readily available, i.e. purse, pocket, etc…
2. Refrain from having a “gift” every time you see your grandchildren.
3. Always be willing to read to your grandchild, their favorite book.
4. Have one-on-one dates, beginning after they are completely potty trained.
5. Tell them you love them every time you see or speak with them, regardless of their age.
6. Refrain from disciplining your grandchildren – unless safety is involved.
7. Support the parents of your grandchildren – with their parenting style.
8. Know what’s happening with your grandchildren’s education.
9. Be involved with their extra-curricular activities, as time and distance permit.
10. Arrange for frequent visits with your grandchildren.

Each one of these rules, or really guidelines for being a good grandparent – are fairly easy to apply.  Not only that, they are practical, too.  Although these are simple rules, they should have some interesting and long-term effects, that are important to your relationship as a GrandParent.  As you consider each one of these rules for being a good grandparent, you might consider asking yourself the question – WHY?

Lets take the first “rule” – which is a seemingly insignificant action:

“Always have a small “sweet-treat” readily available, i.e. purse, pocket, etc…”

This is a habit, that as a grandparent, you can begin when your grandchildren are very young, and continue even into adulthood.  Why?  This rule works well, for a few reasons.  First, it sends a HUGE message, in a very small way – that you were thinking of your grandchild!  Second, it will assist you from falling prey to breaking RULE No. 2…

“Refrain from having a “gift” every time you see your grandchildren.”

I know all about this one, for I am a recovering gift-giving Nana! LOL  I can readily confess such a thing, because I know for a FACT, that there are many of you out there, still!  Grandparents do this, simply because they can – and because it brings such immediate pleasure to our grandchildren.  However – this is a major no-no!  Today, children suffer from issues of entitlement and the inability to delay gratification.  As responsible LDS GrandParents, we need to be aware of how our relationship with our grandchildren, could possibly encourage these negative expectations.

The LDS GrandParent, must understand that YOU are enough for your grandchildren.  They LOVE the time that you take to spend with them, playing, reading, sharing stories, and being taught what you know!  Grandparents are magic, themselves. When you walk through their door – there is light – and they will cleave unto you, because they know that you love them - and that you are *Their*  GrandParent!

As you ponder the other rules that are posted…  can you see how these simple suggestions, could strengthen your relationship with your own grandchildren?

tDMg

LdsNana

{ 0 comments }

When this LDS grandmother plans on cooking for her grandchildren, she wants to make sure that what she prepares – is something that they will EAT, and LIKE!  That’s why I recently sent a shout-out to my friends on Twitter, to share with me some of their favorite  kid-friendly recipes.

As you might already know, in  a few weeks, I will be helping out with two of my daughters, when they bring home new babies!  Which means, Nana will be the cook!

I received a really positive response to my plea, and so I decided to share some of the recipes that were shared with me – with YOU!  I also requested that these grand-kid friendly recipes be somewhat healthy and MOST important – easy to prepare!

The first Twitter response came from @HelamansArmy, who sent me the link to a great kid friendly recipe for Fast and Easy Personal Pan Pizzas,  using Rhode’s freezer rolls!  I am really excited about how simple this recipe will be to prepare, but more than that – I know how much fun my grandchildren are going to have, playing with the dough and making their own little pizzas.  Now, IF I wanted to, I could easily use my own wonderful easy homemade roll recipe and prepare the dough from scratch.  However, I also am a realist – and know how busy I am going to be with all of my grandkid’s various activities, while there.  I’ll save the homemade part, for when they come to visit Nana!

A big thanks goes out to @kmhamon, from Cheap and Delicious Meals blog – for sharing these next few recipes.  She also encourages using our food storage, for many of her recipes.  I’m planning on giving this  grandkid friendly recipe,  Super Easy Ranch Chicken a go!    If there’s one thing that I know that my grandchildren will love, it’s anything made with Ranch Dressing!  Better yet, this recipe requires only three items – the chicken, a package of ranch dressing mix and a plastic bag to shake it all together!

Next up,  is a very simple recipe for a yummy Sausage and Wild Rice Soup,   that I am really anxious to try!  My grandchildren love rice – so I am confident that this is going to be a hit!

Since my grandchildren do love rice, I’m also going to make this very easy, and kid friendly Cheesy Rice, Hamburger and Broccoli recipe…   except that I will use ground turkey, instead of beef.

We can’t forget the sweet stuff, so how about this really easy Upside Down Peach Cake!  I have to applaud all of my daughters on the fact, that my grandchildren love fruit.  I mean, really really love fruit!  So this easy peach cake recipe, is sure to be well received.

A few of the reasons that I chose these particular easy recipes,  to make for my own grandchildren are, that I already know they like the ingredients – they can be prepared quickly, and that with each of these recipes, I can see my grandchildren in the kitchen with me, helping with the preparation.

Make sure and visit both of these blogs, for easy recipes that are are sure to please your grandchildren, too!  If you have other kid friendly recipes that you could  share,  please post them in the comments section.   I’m still searching…

tDMg
LdsNana

More Easy Recipes:

This morning on my Facebook Wall, another friend from Twitter, @Sahans a.k.a. StephsWorld, shared a “Souper” EASY Taco Soup Recipe, from her blog.   She tells me that her kids love it.  Again, this is an easy recipe that not only are the grandkids going to enjoy, but Nana, too!

By the way, many grandparents are now on Facebook, so if you are – come on over and add me as a friend.  If not, you might want to consider joining – we have so much:-)

{ 7 comments }

Today, I thought we could have a little fun, together.  So be prepared to leave a comment.  One of my very cool online friends via StumbleUpon sent this video to me, after he had read my last post, about Helping With Grandchildren At The Birth Of A New Baby.   (make sure and read it, before you watch this video)  Upon mentioning the post, his message simply said, “Get it”?

Actually, as odd as it may seem, after watching the video – I totally did!

Magnetosphere revisited (audio by Tosca)

Well, at least to me – it made sense. But I’m curious about what YOU think?  I would love to hear your interpretation of this video – in relation to the birth of a new baby, and the caring of grandchildren.  Just so you know, this is what I consider ART – and there are no wrong answers.  I’m just really interested to find out if others see what I see – and also, if we can expand on it…

And if for some reason, you are completely dumbfounded – we can all have a good laugh, together. You gotta admit though, it is a pretty cool video, and the music is great!

tDMg

LdsNana

p.s. did I ever mention, that my mom and dad, were hippies? LOL

{ 2 comments }