Where can you go to find out about great education programs, fun games to play with the grandkids, information about Alzheimer’s Disease, fun contests, and so much more – all geared for the Sandwich Generation? Why, to SandwichINK’s Monday Micro-Blog tips and tweets, of course

But first, I want to begin with a big THANK YOU on this Memorial Day, to all our brave soldiers everywhere, and to all those who have given their life for us and for this nation. THANK YOU for your time, your service, and your protection. We appreciate you more than you will ever know!

Resources for Grandkids – for play and for their homeschool program:

• Gary Olltwit is a former IT teacher, homeschooler and educator who has a wonderful website with over 100 free educational programs . Another great resource for your homeschooling program.
• A great resource for fun activities for home and for your homeschooling program is the Family Friday post at Homemaker Barbi . There you will find fun ideas from Barbi, along with posts from other writers with plenty more ideas. It makes a great resource for grandparents, especially those who are helping with the homeschooling program
• Fun Crayola Fireworks show for you and your grandkids to enjoy
• Check out this Homeschool Freebie From Legos.
• I used to love to spend the whole summer running around barefoot. Arthritis won’t let me do that anymore, but I have some grandkids who love to do it too.Nowadays we need to watch them a little closer when they do, as Mommy Babble explains.
• Encouragement: You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies, for Your words are ever before me.
  
• Finally, here are a couple of cute and educational videos our grandkids might enjoy. Could be a great addition to your family’s homeschooling program!

Here’s the Alphabet ABCs:

And here’s the alphabet by their sounds:

Caregivers:

• Don’t forget, if you have a friend or relative using a walker or rolling walker, SandwichINK is giving away a special WalkerWonder banner for Fathers.
• Encouragement: Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart
• Viki Kind & Suzanne Holman present, “Keeping Sane, Healthy and Professional When Your Parent Has Alzheimers “ , at BlogTalkRadio.
• My Battle With Alzheimers by author Barry Hines, is a very interesting and bittersweet article.
• New Old Age features an article discussing an easier email option for the older generation, Easier E-Mail for the Older Generation.
  
• The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Alzheimer’s Communication Tip — Touching Foreheads was such a sweet article about touch making such a difference in an Alzheimer’s Patient.
• Interesting possibilities for Alzheimer’s Disease . Researchers link cocoa flavanols to improved brain blood flow.
• Traumatic Brain Injury and the Elderly by Seniors For Living.
• Encouragement – The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.

Sandwich Generation Hints, Helps, and Tips

• Fall TV Show Updates
• Did you know that a membership in AARP saves you 10% off most books and and a whopping 35% off selected titles at Borders every day!
• I’ve found that high quality tennis shoes make for more comfortable feet even when you have arthritis in them. Peanut Butter and Smelly’s Dad is giving away a pair of  New Balance Tennies that look like they will work great. I’ve entered to find out. Care to join me? 
• Do you have an iPhone and love country clipart? Trinas Country Clipart has really cute Country iPhone wallpaper.
• Creating a Collage Using Gimp.
• Seniors Tutor Kids Through the Experience Corps – a simple way to stay and feel young at heart!
• Remember the fun sayings like “the cat’s meow” and “the bee’s knees” ? How about “bright as a penny” and “Johnny come lately.” Read more fun Old Time Sayings at Franks Senior News.
• Just a reminder, if you have the grandkids today, Friday’s article was all about Memorial Day Fun With Grandkids

I would like to end this post, on Memorial Day 2009, with another BIG THANK YOU to all our brave service men and women AND their spouses and kids AND their extended family who sacrifice their being close to home in order for them to serve and protect our nation! THANK YOU, too, to those families who have lost a beloved to the sorrows of war for the sake of our nation and its safety!  THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU!

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25! It’s a time to stop and remember all those who have given their lives for the freedom we are blessed to enjoy.

For many of us who are caregivers to our grandkids, it may actually start today. One of my grandkids gets out of school early, at noon. This is a fun opportunity to work on some holiday crafts and projects, and at the same time teach our grandkids what this holiday is all about. Be sure to check your local newspaper each day for parades, memorial activities, and other community offerings of interest for this family holiday.

Kids Coloring  and Activity Pages

Always a favorite of mine, the first thing I always look for are coloring and activity pages and other fun kid’s crafts for one and all.

Coloring Book Fun has some good coloring pages to print .

Apples 4 the Teacher offers coloring pages to print OR that the kids can color online.

SunnieBunniezz has a fun Memorial Day Word Search.

About has several printable workpapers including word search and kids coloring pages and even a door hanger.

While we’re all working on these projects with our grandkids, how about some patriotic music to sing together?

I Love Wavs has a delightful mix of patriotic songs including those by and for kids.

Most Freebies has several free patriotic songs – both instrumental and voice – in mp3 format.

NIEHS (National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services) has a great mix as well!

I noticed that the last two sites have one or more songs that don’t work, but if you run into that, just try another one. Many of them do work and the music is grand!

Picnic Fun

What’s your favorite menu for Memorial Day picnics? We love to grill, whether it’s burgers and hot dogs, or the occasional steak, it’s all yummy. I like to combine grilled meat with fresh veges like broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and celery. Trader Joe’s has some yummy flaxseed tortilla chips that are actually a wee bit on the healthy side. They taste delicious with Pace Picante Sauce. My husband’s favorite for dessert was always fresh strawberries, angel food cake, and whipped cream or ice cream – or both! Add a few blueberries and you have a lovely dessert in Red, White, and Blue! Healthy, delicious, and downright easy, making it a holiday gift for grandma!

Thank you!

THANK YOU to all who have served or are serving in the military on our behalf. THANK YOU too to those who have been wounded for us, and to the families of those who have given their lives that we may live in this blessed nation. God bless you all! God bless America!

To all of you, wherever you live, have a wonderful family holiday!