February 19, 2015

Here and Now: February 19, 2015

February 19, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

My friend Lois, blogger extraordinaire at Midlife At The Oasis, recently started a new feature on her site, called currently. Because I think it's a nifty idea for a feature—and because I'm a copycat—I'm going to do something similar every Thursday here on Grandma's Briefs.

With that in mind, welcome to my first "Here and Now" feature in which I share with you what's happening in my life right here and now. I hope in the comments you'll share a bit of what's happening in yours.

here and now graphic

On my mind...

Like everyone else...

February 18, 2015

Feels like the first time: The joy of snow

February 18, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

Many Grandma's Briefs readers are experiencing snow fatigue like never before. This one's for you, my frozen friends.

babies and snow

Though I can't make the snow disappear, my hope is that this...

February 17, 2015

How to be a GRAND babysitter

February 17, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

PawDad masters being the most GRAND babysitter ever.

Kids just want to have fun, especially when spending time with a babysitter. Parents primarily want their kids to be safe. And therein lies the challenge for grandparents who have secured the babysitting gig: finding the perfect balance between delighting grandchildren while pleasing their parents.

Master the challenge—and be the best babysitter ever—by considering the following tips from seasoned babysitting grandmas.

1. Pack your bag of tricks

Every grandparent needs a Grandma (or Grandpa) Bag, a tote filled with goodies that comes out at special times for play, creativity, and entertainment. For long-distance grandparents like myself, that means when I’m visiting the kiddos. (It's the favored piece of luggage each of my grandsons can't wait to open.) For local parents, that may be when on regular babysitting duty.

Grandma or Grandpa Bags include...

Click to continue reading my article—with input from Grandma Kc—on Grandparents.com...

February 16, 2015

Color me surprised, plus GRAND Social No. 144 link party for grandparents

February 16, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

Color me surprised

I hope your Valentine's weekend was pleasant—if not perfect—and included a hug from a grandkiddo or two.

If you follow Grandma's Briefs on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, you may have already seen this sight I shared Saturday morning. It's so so colorful and happy (and surprising!), though, I'm compelled to now share it here, too.

hot air balloon

THAT appeared on my street Saturday morning. Jim and I were just sitting around enjoying our...

February 14, 2015

Saturday movie review: Chef

February 14, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

My advice to you regarding the subject of this week's movie review: Eat before watching!

Heck, it won't really matter, I suppose, for even if you watch this film on a full stomach, the culinary delights in CHEF will have your tummy growling in no time.

chef movie

Food is the star of the comedy CHEF, written and directed by Jon Favreau, but there's a...

February 12, 2015

Picture books to share with pint-size valentines

February 12, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

Share your love this Valentine's Day by snuggling with your favorite pint-size valentine to share these these sweet (and sometimes silly) picture books. No nearby kiddo to snuggle? These fun and colorful books are short and engaging, making them ideal for sharing over a Skype or FaceTime session, as well.

♥

February 10, 2015

10 life lessons grandchildren help us remember

February 10, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

With all that we do for our grandchildren, they do for us so very much more. Things such as reminding us of important lessons we've learned yet often forget to put into practice. Things such as these.

grandchildren quotes