CHANGE IS IN THE AIR!

As we approach the month of September, we notice mornings are brisk and the evenings are cool. Perhaps you've been aware of some falling leaves. Although you're sad to say good-bye to summer, you begin to anticipate the season of Fall or Autumn with all of its promises.

Fall into Fun!

"Come, little leaves," said the wind one day.

"Come o'er the meadow with me and play.

Put on your dresses of red and gold;

Summer is gone, and the days grow cold."

--Thomas J. Crawford, adapted by Terry Kluytmans

So your grandchildren live far away and you'd like to make them a part of your day. Then by all means, go on a nature walk, video and text it to them. Take photos of wildflowers, falling leaves, anything you see that signals the seasons are changing. This is inexpensive and an easy way to clue them in on the changing seasons. 

Grandparents who have children coming in right after school and staying until mom and dad get home from work, a fun activity for the younger ones up until high school are making leaf rubbings. 

You will need:

• Cover workspace
• Leaves from different kinds of trees
• White copy paper
• Broken crayons, tear the paper off
• Blue watercolor (paint and water)
• Watercolor brush
• 1/2 cup water
• Paper towel
• Inexpensive photo frame
• Black or dark blue pen or felt-tip marker

Instructions:

1. Place a leaf facedown on your workspace.

2 Cover with a sheet of white paper ( hold in place with one hand). 

3. Use an unwrapped crayon and rub over the paper. Voila!

4. Add plenty of water to your blue watercolor.

5. Then did your brush into the runny color.

6. Do a quick dip in the water, then brush the entire sheet of paper.

7. Let dry and you have a beautiful watercolor wash, 

8. Frame and give as a gift.

9. Printe the Bible verse: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," (Hebrews 13:5 on the picture and suggest they give to an elderly friend of neighbor.

That takes care of the younger children, but what can you do with the older grandkids? Let them prepare or serve some after-school snacks. 

Suggestions:

• Apple pieces, spread with peanut butter, or almond butter if allergic to peanuts.
• Ants on a log--celery spread full of peanut butter or cheese spread, sprinkled with raisins.
• Peanuts with candy corn (tastes like a Pay Day).

If you check online, you will discover many more ideas for snacks.

Enjoy this season of splendor as Autumn gets ready to make debut.

Purchase a copy of Long Distance Grandma (Janet Teitsort) for even more ideas for September.