Well, I’m back to school. It’s hard to believe that summer vacation is over. I really enjoyed the extra time with my grandchildren. Some of the activities that we did together are included in this months newsletter. Be sure to check them out and let me know how they worked for you and your grandchildren. I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

This is a fun and inexpensive way to show photos of your grandchildren on your fridge or any magnetic board.
You will need  lids from cans (any size will work - soup, vegetables, fruit, etc.), glue and magnets.
Directions:
1. Remove the lid from the can, I would recommend using a can opener that leaves the edges smooth.
2. Trace the lid onto the photo and cut out slightly smaller.
3. Glue photo on the lid and add a magnet to the back.

This is an activity that your grandchildren would enjoy doing with you.

Save your old magazines and let your grandchildren use them to create stories.
You’ll need magazines, scissors, glue, blank paper and a pencil. Let your grandchildren cut out pictures and words from magazines to create an original and story.

I just returned from Chicago where I did a workshop at the DKG Society International Convention. I made new friends and many participants shared great ideas of things they are doing with their children and grandchildren. I’ll be sharing these ideas with you over the next few months.

August, for me, is an anniversary, one year since I began my website. It has been an exciting and challenging adventure that I plan to continue for many years to come. Thank you for your interest and support.

This month’s activities are easy and fun. There’s a math “giant jam sandwich” activity that really stretches the imagination. For reading and writing I’ve included a pattern for a paper sack journal. You can take it anywhere and the great thing is that it can hold small treasures too. For the whole family I’ve included some recipes that can be made fast with little or no cooking. There’s a cute idea for an apron recommended by my friend Jane. You can make a family photo memory tray that is sure to bring years of family fun each time it is used.

I love getting out my family memory serving tray when the family gathers together. It seems we never tire of looking at the photos and remembering the vacations we took to a favorite cabin several summers in a row. Even though the grandchildren are not in the photos they enjoy identifying all the people and find it hard to believe their parents were once as young as they are now. You can make your own memory serving tray.
You’ll need:
tray (I bought my metal tray at a thrift store for $.50 but you could use a plastic or wood tray)
photos or memorabilia
Modge Podge (you can get this at any craft store)
paint brush
clear acrylic sealer (find at any craft or home improvement store)
Directions:
1. Wash and dry tray.
2. Decide how you want to display your photos and trim to fit tray.
3. Spread Modge Podge on the tray with a brush and apply photos.
4. Brush Modge Podge over all your photos. It will dry clear. If you are going to use your tray for display only you can stop here. If you want to use it for serving I would suggested spraying a clear acrylic sealer. Follow the directions on the can. It has a very strong smell so do it outside.
Tip: I just use my tray for bread, rolls or chips. I’m not sure what will happen if it gets water or other moist food items on it and I don’t want to take the chance of ruining my photos.

Download Paper Sack Journal Pattern This is a unique and fun way for your grandchildren to keep up on their writing skills while camping or traveling. They can keep postcards, brochures or other items in the paper sack and write or draw about their adventures.
You’ll need: 2 lunch size paper sacks, staples or tape