December 17, 2018

Babes on Jesus' birth

December 17, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

Babes on Jesus’ birth!

Most folks have seen this adorable video from last year by now but it is so fun—so hilarious!—that I just had to share it again before the season ends.

December 12, 2018

Grandma Christmas crafts matter

December 12, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

The year my husband and I were married, his stepmom, Diane, whom I had never met and Jim hadn’t seen in years, sent us a lovely joint Christmas stocking she had made for us. She also sent an adorable handmade one for baby Brianna, who was born soon after we married.

Diane sent another precious stocking the following year, when Megan was born. And another two years after that for our baby Andie.

When Megan and Preston married and…

December 10, 2018

Grand greetings!

December 10, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

Grand greetings!

When my daughter Megan sends out her annual Christmas cards, she typically catches up on sharing photos of Brayden, Camden, and Declan she’s not gotten around to sending earlier in the year. Sweet stuff like these school pictures and sports shots enclosed with this year’s card:

December 06, 2018

Firsts: Declan and snow... snow... snow!

December 06, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

Megan made the trek from the desert to Colorado last month, to meet newborn nephew Benjamin. Brayden and Camden stayed home with Dad so they wouldn’t miss school, but as Declan is obligated only to two mornings a week at preschool, he had the privilege of joining Mommy for the visit.

The first morning of their stay at my house, Declan woke me early, bounding into my bedroom exclaiming, “Gramma! It’s SNOWing!”

December 03, 2018

12 days of sweet holiday treats

December 03, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

12 days of sweet holiday treats!

Who could use some new ideas for sweet holiday treats? If you raised your hand (and even if you didn’t) you’re sure to find some sweet inspiration from Sweet’N Low’s “12 Days of Christmas” holiday baking campaign in which twelve bloggers were chosen to share recipes based on the verses of the holiday song.

Yours truly shared a recipe based on the verse for the third day of Christmas! I didn’t bake up any French hens, but I did share a yummy French Butter Cookie recipe—that has less sugar…

December 03, 2018

On the third day of Christmas... French Butter Cookies to share!

December 03, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

I partnered with Sweet’N Low® to bring you this special “12 Days of Christmas” recipe.

The Christmas countdown has begun! This year, I’m singing along to “12 Days of Christmas” with Sweet’N Low® and celebrating the holiday season with a new recipe inspired by the classic song.

The makers of America's favorite pink zero-calorie sweetener selected a dozen bloggers—one for each day of the song—and tasked each with sharing a holiday recipe based on our assigned verses. My verse? The third day of Christmas, that of “Three French Hens” fame!

November 30, 2018

5 screen-free gift ideas (toys!) for grandkids

November 30, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

Looking for unique toys that boast no screens?

Check out these goodies reviewed and recommended by my grandsons: a smart MP3 player and a smart top, plus a slap-happy penguin, a “green” doctor’s kit, and an art projector for ages 5 to 105.

Fun stuff!

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November 28, 2018

Hosting wee holiday guests? 7 safety steps for grandparents

November 28, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

If you’re one of the fortunate ones hosting a houseful of young’uns for festive fun, consider making the following alterations while putting out seasonal decorations to ensure holiday gatherings at Grandma’s are as merry and bright—and safe—as can be.

November 26, 2018

Full, full, full!

November 26, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

Full, full, full!

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was filled with family and abundant blessings.

At my place, we had a full house, full table, and full hearts.

November 20, 2018

Baby shower gift ideas: 4 for grandmas to give

November 20, 2018/ Lisa Carpenter

This time of year, gift ideas naturally lean toward what to give (and get) for the holidays.

Despite the season, though, there are still babies being born, still showers being thrown. Which means many grandmothers and others seek goodies for giving newborns and new moms.

Here are four of my recent favorite baby shower gifts, perfect for grandmas to give whether they prefer passing along presents of a practical sort or something sweet and sentimental.