Summer Fun with children has endless possibilities

I have learned that fun can happen without spending lots of money. One of the challenges for me has been coming up with exciting adventures for the children as they get older--- without spending the big $$$$$.  Seems that as they move up in age they move up in high dollar fun as they learn about all the “things” that exist that are fun and EXPENSIVE--- and naturally they want to have and do them all--- over and over in fact.  I’m not against trips, amusement parks, appropriate movies, eating out, all manner of age appropriate electronics and on and on.  These endless entertainment opportunities are fun for the kids BUT they need to have fun doing simple things as well.  Don’t you agree?

I recently had some BOY TIME for a few days and we decided to back to one of our all-time favorite summer activities.  This one is particularly perfect for a hot day.  We’ll let the photos explain:

 

Yes, they are 100% MALE so naturally are required to begin the outing with a couple of duels.

 

So our adventure includes my 5 grandsons and one extra buddy. (One of my grands was not in ther above photo.)  I should tell you that one of my sons, who is the father of 3 of these warriors, was creek-side. With this many active boys in a wilderness area like this, I like to have another adult along.

So off the go, hunting for minnows and crawdads.
The creek in our city park is truely a beautiful place. The water was high on the day because of some earlier rain.

Be careful!   I insist that we all wear some kind of shoes in the creek because of sharp rocks and unfortunately an occasional piece of glass. They also make for better traction in slippery places.

Searching -- Searching

 

   Nature is fun to observe in a place like this

Looking for snakes too.

Well we did not all emerge unscathed.  But the oldest helped the youngest to recover from his injury. and he was fine within a few minutes.

Well, I guess I should tell you that I took a tumble myself on that otherwise lovely day.  Fortunately, it was not captured on film.  :)    [Though perhaps it would have won us $10,000 on the "World's Funniest Videos" TV show.]   The oldest grandson had handed me their bucket with about 15 minnows (in water) to carry back to show his dad.  I climbed out of the creek and thought I was home free, when suddenly my foot slipped in some mud. My legs flew up in the air and I hit the ground with a big thud---  I mean a really big THUD!  And the bucket flew about 10 feet into the air.  Have you ever seen minnows fly? They actually don't do it very well.  My son was a mere few feet away but could do nothing to help as he witnessed his mama go down for the count.

Fortunately, I came away with only some bruises and soreness.  It's funny the thoughts that race through the mind of a 64 year old woman as she is going down.  Let me tell you, I have a lot to be thankful for! It could have been a much worse outcome.  Thank You, Lord!

 

By this time, we were all ready to head for home. The adventure was grand, as we continued to build memories.  My grandsons live in two different states so rarely get together and I am so glad we had the opportunity to share a favorite summer escapade.  Maybe you'll take some of the children in your life to the creek someday. I would love to hear about it.



 

Today would be the 78th birthday of my dear friend, JoAnn, who passed away one month ago. She has graduated into Eternity, and is now enjoying the glorious presence of our Savior, Jesus.  I met JoAnn and her husband when we became neighbors---- I was 12 years old.  That was 50 years ago!  I always called her my second MAMA.  So today I want to share the poem I wrote for her 3 days before her death. She enjoyed hearing me read it to her twice before she stepped into Eternity.  I miss you Jo.

[By the way, the photo above, I call  "JoAnn's Sky".  I took the picture on my way home from the hospital 14 days before her death, knowing that she was enjoying the same sunset from her hospital room window.  We had just been talking about her nice view of the setting sun.  What I did not know was that this would be the last sunset that she would see during her life on earth, as we know it. The ski was so beautiful that day.  Now I imagine, with joy and wonder, about the views she is having these days.  Eternity is a long, long time and we have so much to look forward to!]

I hope you enjoy the poem....


My Friend, JoAnn



Do you know my friend, JoAnn? Yes, she’s the one who’ll lend a hand.

If you’ve got dishes in your sink--- She’ll wash ‘em quicker than you think.


Communion time at church today? She’ll have it ready right away.

Church dinner coming up next week? Her part, she’ll do---- No honor seek.



My silver in that cabinet there, all sparkles now from her tender care.

“I like to do it.” she would say. Now take that grandchild out to play.



She’ll bring you fudge at Christmas time. And Phillip*, she tries to keep in line.

“Now Phillip, don’t you touch my stuff!” To keep him straight, she must get tough.



And Molly, how she loves her so. Her precious kitty, I’m sure you know.


So many loved ones she’s held dear. And faced each trial not showing fear.


So Jo, is it really time to say ---farewell and wipe our tears away?


God sent you to us---- His priceless gem. And now you want to go to Him.

Jesus greets you with open arms. To hold you back would just do harm.


I have to tell you right now, Jo.  I love you more ‘an you ever know.

You’re almost there. We have so much to look forward to! Love, Connie ~~ March 15, 2012]

*Phillip was her boss, for whom she did bookkeeping. :)

Welcome to GrannyCamp 4 Me

Happy Valentine’s Day --- It’s almost here!!

      Have you been trying to think of a little something different to do with your loved one/ones this year for Valentine’s Day?  If your answer is  ”Yes.”  ---  Me too.  Children (and most of us) get candy, more than we need, most any time we want.  Candy just isn’t as much of a “treat” as it used to be.  Admitted, cards are wonderful and appreciated, especially the homemade kind.  Well, how about something to actually DO together--- something that requires spending a little time.  Even something that can be carried on for a few days or even weeks, if you’d like.--- And it doesn’t require spending a large block of time, unless you want it to.  I have an idea for you that I tried with some of my grands a few days ago.  I fixed up a couple of LOVE BUCKETS.  You might be asking, What is a Love Bucket?  Just keep on reading...

      To do this little activity, you’ll need a couple of containers to make into buckets.  For instance you might want to get a couple of plastic food containers and glue or poke holes to attach handles made of something like card board, string or pipe cleaners.  I went to the dollar store to look for a couple of simple buckets, preferably in the color red.  I found some that were just right and the price was right as well---- 2/ $1.00.  So I bought 4 buckets since I have 2 sets of grands and I’ll need two buckets for each set.  So the buckets cost me a whopping $2.00.  I was pretty satisfied.  Are you with me on this?  

      So after I had secured the buckets, the rest was simple since I knew that I had the rest of the necessary materials at home.  If you wish to do this activity, your materials and equipment list goes like this:

·       2 buckets

·       construction paper, preferably in Valentine’s Day colors

·       glue

·       scissors

·       markers, crayons, pens, or pencils

The pictures can show you just what to do:

       Let’s just call this activity,  “Love Buckets”.   [Since I made it up, I figure I can call it anything I’d like.]   

      Onto one bucket, glue a heart that says,  “LOVE Bucket” on one side and a heart that says,  “The LOVE Goes Out” on the other side.  For this bucket, you ask the child, or your spouse, or your sweetheart, etc..... the question something like this-----

      For our grands, I asked: “How do you give love to your daddy?”   “... to your Mommy?”   ~  “...to me?”   ~  “...to your Dodaddy” (that’s my husband)   ~  “... to God?”  ~ “... to your sibling?”.   You can make it up as you go, however it is appropriate in your situation.  I especially liked TheJoy’s answer to the question on how he likes to give love to his Daddy and his answer was, “When I watch football with him.”  Next, the child is to write, on a paper heart, the answer on one side and his/her name on the other side and put into “The LOVE Goes Out”  bucket.  (If he/she cannot write yet, some one else can do it for them.)

      Onto the other bucket, glue a heart that says,  “LOVE Bucket” on one side and a heart that says,  “The LOVE Comes In” on the other side.  For this bucket, you ask the child, or your spouse, or your sweetheart, etc.... the question something like this-----

      For our grands, I asked: “How do you like to receive love from your daddy?”  ~  “... from your Mommy?”    ~  “... from me?”  ~  “... from God?”  ~  “... from your sibling?”.   As before, you can make it up as you go, however it is appropriate in your situation.  I especially liked Grana’s answer to the question on how she likes to receive love from me.  Her answer was, “When you invite me over.”   Then as with the other bucket, writing it on paper hearts and put it into the bucket.

      I suggest that you keep the buckets in a visible place and have available more blank hearts so that more love responses can be added to each bucket as people think of other ways they like to give and receive love.

     So far, I have done this with my husband, my parents and only two of my grands and they really did enjoy it.  I hope to get to continue it more with all four of the local grands.  And I am planning a trip down south in a few days and plan to do it with the down-south grands while I’m there there.

      This activity is great to do in a family unit and would be terrific in a Sunday School class as well.  It could be easily adapted to just focus on God---- the ways He shows love for “me” and the ways “I” show love to Him.  So get your LOVE Buckets ready ‘cause Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!  Spread the LOVE around!

~~~Today’s Granny Camp Recipes ~~~

This is my favorite Valentine’s Day Cake, and

I like to make it in heart shaped pans.

Strawberry Cake

1  10-oz.  pkg. frozen strawberries

1  white cake mix 

3  oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin

4  eggs

1  c. oil

1 stick  butter, softened

1 lb. box confectioners sugar

Drain strawberries well, reserving juice.  Add enough water to juice to make 1 cup.  Combine cake mix, gelatin, eggs and oil.  Add water-juice mixture & mix well.  Pour into sheet cake pan.  Bake at 350* till done,  about 24 – 30 min.(Depends on oven.)  Cool. 

Blend butter,  conf. sugar,  and strawberries.  Frost cake.

Welcome to GRANNY CAMP 4 ME !

Are we ever going to have WINTER, 2012?  Where’s the SNOW?  Where are the SnowDays?  ---You know--- SnowCream and Snowball Battles and SnowMen---& Women?  You might have snow where you are but it’s pretty sparse here in our part of Virginia.

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      Through the years, GrannyCamp often involves creative crafts and creative foods.  But when the weather and/or location presents special opportunities, we like to be all over it as much as possible.  In today’s post, let’s look at some such times.

      When there is snow on the ground, this Granny loves to go outside with the grands and get in on the fun.  I do love sleigh riding and yes, I find it harder every year to make my way back up the hill! [Actually last year found me a bit slowed down from hand injuries & surgery but I laughed a lot, encouraged a lot and made lots of Hot Chocolate.  Speaking of which, our family really loves our homemade Hot Cocoa recipe, which you’ll find at the end of today’s post.  And, hopefully before this winter is over, we’ll have a few frosty, snowy days that simply cry out for Hot Chocolate!

      Let’s go back a few years to a winter time GrannyCamp for a couple of our down south grands.  Booker and Dancer had prayed that we would have snow in Virginia while they were here.  When they arrived, there was a little piled up here and there but not enough to hardly notice.  As we got into town we paid a visit to the great grand parents and the girls found just enough of the white stuff to challenge Pawpaw to a battle.  And he has never turned one down yet.  I had no idea that so much fun could be squeezed out of a little pile of snow at the edge of a driveway.  I’m thinkin, “These girls are desperate for some snow!”  Even though it was sparse, they still had a blast.



Sometimes it just doesn't take much to totally THRILL a young child!



      They told Pawpaw and Memaw how thankful they were that they had saved them some snow.  And I warned them that this might be all the snow they would see for this GrannyCamp week.

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      So guess what we woke up to, on their first morning here?  Well no, not exactly a fluffy white covered ground.  But, we did get an exciting start.....

Booker was up early and could not have been happier .....

Booker's prayer was answered!

Before long, we ate our pancakes and were out enjoying the

white stuff!

Just enough snow for some great rides down the hill..... 

     It didn't seem like much to Doodie and me but these girls could not have been more satisfied.

Booker's pride of the day!

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      Location! Location! Location!

      Let’s look at some GrannyCamp in Perdido Key with the other grands, way back when they lived in the panhandle of Florida.  These photos were taken when my husband and I were caring for the 4 children while their parents went on a cruise.  Our son and his wife had left on Christmas day so the next day we 6 went to the beach.  I have to say, I have never spent time on a beach during Christmas week.  Even though, I love the water, I did not get in it this time. 

       When was the last time you found yourself on the beach in late December?  I'm thinkin it was my first. 

This was an amazing day for feeding the birds. TheMighty was mesmerized with it for a long time.

A breezy 65 degrees is not swimming weather for me.  But for certain little boys it’s great weather for teasing the waves. 

Oh Yea, the waves got their revenge a few times.

Now this one has no intention of getting into that water.  Instead he is into the snacks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile back at home later on, Grana really gets into her embroidery.  This was her first experience and one of the best GrannyCamp activities we have ever done.  All eight of our grands have been willing to give it a try.  The boys did well but were not so much into it.  But Grana, after a little practice, decided to embroider all the names of her siblings and cousins on her new quilt that we had given her for Christmas.  Very nice job!

Would someone please tell me how kids come up with some of their ideas. Trust me, neither the Grandpa nor I had anything to do with this creative idea!

I believe I'll just end it here, hopfully with you having a smile on your face.  And hoping no one is offended by this rather crude display.  It's all in good fun folks.

Stay tuned for ...

~~~Today's GrannyCamp Recipes~~~

Instant Hot Cocoa Mix

1  (16 oz.) jar  non-dairy creamer

1 ½ lb.  Nestles Quick

½ to 1 (1 lb..)  box  powdered sugar

8-qt. size  (10 2/3 c.)  nonfat dry milk

Mix all ingredients together.  Store in airtight containers.

Put approximately ½ c. mix in mug, add boiling water & stir.

Broccoli Corn Bread

12  oz.  chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

½  - 1½  c.  chopped onion

2  sticks butter, melted

4  eggs, beaten

1  tsp.  salt

2 -8 oz. boxed Jiffy Corn Bread Mix

8  oz.  cottage cheese

Preheat oven to 350*. Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased and floured 13” x 9” sheet cake pan.  Bake 40- 45 min. or until lightly browned. Do not over bake.

Hobo Beans    -- So fitting for wintertime --

1/2  lb.  bacon,  fried,  drained & crumbled      1  c.  ketchup

1/2  lb.  ground beef,  browned & drained        1  c.  brown sugar

1  onion,  chopped & cooked  w/beef                 1  tsp. prepared

                                                                                               mustard

1  can Pork N' Beans                                             1  tsp.  vinegar

1  can  Butter Beans

1  can  Kidney Beans

1  can  Northern  Beans

For Crock Pot:   Stir together all the beans.  Add bacon, beef & onions.  Then add ketchup, brown sugar,  mustard & vinegar.  Stir together.  Cook in crock pot all day or at least for 3 hours.

For Oven:   follow instructions above then place mixture in oven proof dish & bake for about 1 hour.  The longer it bakes the better the flavor.

I always drain canned beans and even rinse them well if they have high fructose corn syrup added.

  

Granny Camp 4 Me – Holiday Afterglow- Continued Some More

 The opening of the gifts is a greatly anticipated event.  Some in the group (grown ups of course) complain that our living room is just too small for this activity.  But hey, I have never heard a single one of my grands complain about such a thing.    : - )    I believe they see it as an adventure--- proving their agility in dodging feet, legs, toys, boxes, ribbon & wrappings.  They're always up for the challenge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Since the out-of-staters want to get in on the Christmas Granny Bread action, we made New Years Eve breakfast a repeat of Christmas Day breakfast.  The ones who get to do it the second time in one week just don’t mind a bit.  

 As I showed in a previous post, helping to make to “bread” is an experience in itself.  Applying the cherries and glaze is the most fun, that is next to the eating it, of course.  After making the dough the day before, Booker is delighted to get to do the adorning  . . . .

 

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    Between the new toys and the old toys---  and here, both combined---  there are  plenty of fun things to do while waiting for breakfast.  You see those 30 year old Brix Blocks?  They were our sons’ and have now been played with by all 8 of our grands.  I am so glad we saved them.  The box hides perfectly under a chair in our living room.  They all know it’s there and frequently pull it out and amuse themselves, whether it be for a few minutes or all afternoon.

  Yum, Yum!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      As the day goes along, it’s not hard to find fun things to do together.  By now they have migrated a few blocks away to our son’s home and the girls get into more spa stuff.  

And the boys do what boys do...

~RhythamMan loves trying out the cousin's bow & arrow.


Look out up there...




Look out down there...

~~~The Family Christmas Play ~~~

      Grana called the children together to rehearse the family Christmas play.  This was the second time they have done this little play that I wrote a couple of years ago.  It consists of the traditional Christmas story, with a little modern day moment thrown in.  Most of the grands participated and really enjoyed performing it for the rest of us.  Actually two adults understudied a couple of parts.  The rehearsal went well and all played their rolls with excellence.  You should have seen it! 

TheJoy is the first one ready for dress rehearsal.

Yes, we have our parts down and we are ready!

So the curtain rises ...  The angel, Gabriel visited Mary and then visited Joseph, who is sleeping in his home ...

The shepherd carries his lamb to visit Jesus, the newborn King.

Mary cradles Baby Jesus in her arms. 

The angel watches over the Holy Family. 

I suspect you are astounded that the football game is on in the background during the play.  Well, actually this photo was taken during the dress rehearsal and turned out to be much better than the ones taken during the actual play.  Rest assured that the TV was off during the Christmas play! 

The children did a wonderful job and we were all so very proud!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 So here we are--- the Granny, the Eight and the Grandpa.

It's wonderful, but rare to get us all together for a photo.

Do you see why I love doing GrannyCamp so much?

Grana & I have already started working on a Valentine's Day project so stay tuned.  And hopefully I'll have opportunities to do something special with each one of them for that special day.

In the meantime, I have lots more stuff to share from GrannyCamp experiences and I hope you'll enjoy the recipes below.  We have Super Sunday coming up soon so here is an idea in plenty of time!

~~~Today’s Granny Camp Recipes ~~~

Last year, I fixed this great gumbo for Super Bowl Sunday since the New Orleans Saints were playing.  It was a real hit and even several of our grands enjoyed it.

Chicken ‘N Shrimp Gumbo   (Slow Cooker)

1  16 oz. pkg. kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced

3  tbsp. butter, divided

1  large onion, chopped

½  red or green pepper,  chopped

2  stalks celery,  chopped

4  cloves garlic, minced

1  (9 or 10 oz.)  pkg.  frozen sliced okra, thawed

1/3  c.  oil

1/3  c.  plain flour

3  c.  hot chicken broth

1  c.  hot water

1 ½ c.  chopped, cooked chicken

2  15 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1  tsp. salt

½  tsp. pepper

¼  tsp. cayenne pepper

12  - 16  oz.  peeled & deveined raw shrimp

3  c.  hot brown rice for serving

-Brown the kielbasa in saucepan; add to slow cooker.

-Add 1 tbsp. butter to kielbasa drippings and sauté onion, red (or green) pepper, celery & garlic. Add to slow cooker.

-In separate saucepan, sauté thawed okra in 2 Tbsp. butter for about 10 – 15 minutes.  Add to slow cooker.

-Heat oil over medium heat & then add flour, stirring for 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium low.  Continue cooking & stirring for 15 minutes until roux is dark.  Wisk in 3 c.  hot chicken broth & 1  c.  hot water.  Pour into slow cooker.

-Add chopped chicken, tomatoes, salt, black & cayenne pepper and stir together.  Cook on low for 6 – 7 hours.

-Add shrimp during the last 20 minutes and cook until pink.

-Serve over hot rice.

Pineapple Upside-down Cake

2 cans chunk pineapple or 1  can  pineapple rings,  drained-- reserving juice

1  yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)

¾  stick butter

2  c. brown sugar

¼  tsp. salt

1  1/3  c.  juice from pineapple + water

1/3  c.  oil

3  large eggs

5 or so maraschino cherries, cut in half

Preheat oven to 350*.  Drain pineapple, reserving juice.  Place butter in 9 x 13” sheet cake pan & put in heating oven till butter melts.  Into melted butter stir brown sugar & salt.  Arrange pineapple & cherries, single layered, in brown sugar mixture. 

Prepare cake mix according to package directions, using the pineapple juice + water to get the required amount of liquid called for.  Pour cake batter over pineapple layer.  Bake for 35 – 40 min. or till a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry, not sticky. B

Immediately upon removing from oven,  rest inverted pan or large platter over top of done cake.  Flip upside down and Waa-laa!   [This cake is really good to eat while still warm J]

My mother taught me to make this cake back in the 60’s when I was a teen ager. It has always been a family favorite!