All About Being An LDS Grandparent and Staying Connected To Your Grandchildren… Eternally!

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

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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

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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

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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:-)

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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

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Helping out with grandchildren

I can’t believe that two weeks from tomorrow,  this LDS grandmother, will be heading for Texas to welcome another new grandchild!  And, it doesn’t stop there…  That trip, will  immediately be followed by another - to Georgia – to welcome another grandchild!  Good heavens, I’m exhausted just thinking about all that traveling and time away from my comfy home and personal schedule, here in California!

With the births of these two new grandsons – this will bring our total to nine; girls 6 – boys 3!  It’s been a while since we have had the addition of grandsons, so this is very exciting for our entire family.  Ethan, our 7 year-old-grandson, has enjoyed the top boy spot for quite a few years now – but is happy himself, to claim one of these new grandsons – as his new little brother.

Stepping in, to help out with grandchildren at the birth of a new baby, so that mother can get the much needed rest – that she will require, is a big job for any grandparent.  I’m already trying to come up with some very simple and *grandkid friendly* recipes.    I’ve even sent out a desperate TWEET for kid friendly, somewhat healthy and easy to prepare recipes, on Twitter!

I don’t know about you, but I anticipate working quite hard when I am with my grandchildren, during these times.  There is so much more involved, than when I am in their homes, for a normal visit.  I do help out  during those times, but it’s nothing compared to completely taking over the role of “mom” for a week or two.

When I travel to Texas, I will encounter a home where the father is frequently not around until after the three children are put down to bed for the evening.  Yes – after homework, dinner, bath and scripture time.  Daddy is a doctor.  In my opinion, my daughter is a Super-Mom,  if I have ever known one!  I fully expect, that I will need a personal vacation upon my return!

But that’s not going to happen, because I will turn right around and head to Georgia!  This time, grandma will have it a bit easier – and will only have my two-year-old granddaughter, Skylee, to tend to while mama is resting with new baby.  She will be somewhat recovered, as my visit will come approximately a week after her delivery.   Did I mention, that these two babies are expected less than a week apart?  LOL  Fortunately, I have three daughters, and my one daughter, who is not expecting, has agreed to cover for Nana until I can get there!

I have about a million thoughts running through my head, right now, about how I can best  help out with my grandchildren, at the births of these new babies.  I am full aware, since this is not my first time – that as a grandmother - I need to be prepared!  The children are getting older, and their needs and schedules more demanding.

It is such a joyous occasion, to welcome new grandchildren into our families.  For this LDS Nana, it is such a  privilege, to be allowed into the homes of my own children -  during such  beautiful times, in their lives.  If you have any great tips, advice, RECIPES, or other suggestions for me and other grandparents here – - please feel free to share them in the comments section.  Thanks!

As an LDS GrandParent, it is our deep desire – to be a blessing to our sweet grandchildren.

tDMg

LdsNana

Note: My Twitter friends really came through, when I requested those grandchildren friendly recipes – I promise to share some of them with you, too!

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I have a firm belief that one of the greatest gifts that an LDS GrandParent can nurture in a grandchild, is a deep and abiding love for the Scriptures. I also believe that example, and personal application of the eternal principles that are taught in the scriptures, are how this love for the Word of God, is best taught.

As our grandchildren begin to develop their reasoning skills, and are learning how to exercise their personal agency, this creates the perfect opportunity to begin a little one-on-one time with them, and the scriptures. I look forward to my upcoming visit with my oldest grandson, who is almost seven-years-old. Ethan is at the perfect age, to begin this very special relationship with his grandparent, and the scriptures.   (of course, you can begin this at any age) I am so delighted that his parents have family scripture time with their children, each evening before bedtime. This is such a wonderful part of being an eternal family!

The benefits of developing the habit of reading the scriptures as a child, cannot be overstated. The LDS GrandParent can have a powerful influence on their grandchildren, in helping to develop not only the habit of daily scripture time or reading, but the desire to actually STUDY the scriptures, themselves!

In helping our grandchildren to learn how to study the scriptures, it is our goal as an LDS GrandParent , to help them develop Faith in Jesus Christ!

This is best accomplished, when we teach our grandchildren WHAT to LOOK for, as they are reading and studying the scriptures. There is a difference between reading time with the scriptures, versus study or learning from the scriptures.

It is the ability or skill to be taught by the Spirit, through the scriptures – that we want to nurture in our grandchildren.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Make sure that your grandchild has a copy of their very own set of scriptures.
• Begin your scripture study together in a quiet place, and with a prayer; inviting the Spirit to be the Teacher.
  
• Before you begin reading,  tell  your grandchild WHAT to LOOK for…  Follow-up by ASKING them WHAT they found?
• Discuss WHAT they have discovered!
• LOOK for the IF and THEN principles taught in the scriptures.
  
• ASK them WHAT they THINK about…
  
• ASK them WHAT they  can LEARN and HOW they could APPLY what they have discovered?
  

This is a very simple teaching pattern for discovering the principles of the gospel, and allowing the Spirit to do the teaching.  Remember, you are a mentor to your grandchild.  This teaching pattern for studying the scriptures, is often very effective with the use of only  a few verses of scripture at a time.

1 Nephi 3:7 is an excellent example of how to teach a great eternal principle, with only one verse…

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I  will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

Teaching them how to LOOK into the scriptures for these eternal truths, and the promises that ALWAYS accompany obedience to these truths – are how you can help your grandchildren, to develop Faith in Jesus Christ!

In future posts, we will discuss in more detail, how to apply this very effective “teaching pattern”, with even greater power.

tDMg

LdsNana

Photo Credit: Yet To Be Photography

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