Debbie Dietmeyer is under The Noodle Spotlight! Debbie is a wife and the mother of two beautiful adult girls. She is also the grandmother of three girls and 1 boy almost here! Being creative is a constant part of Debbie’s world. Although she still works as a realtor in Colorado, she spends a lot more time Taking On The Creative!!!!
What role does creativity play in your home?
I absolutely love being creative! As I get older, I realize how much I enjoy growing and learning new things. Because I love to make lists and set new goals, I am constantly tweaking and redefining what I want to do and be. I have been taking cooking lessons and I’m always experimenting on my guests! I love cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, writing and being in the middle of some kind of art project. My biggest adventure these days is running “CAMP GRANDMA” for my grandbabies, nieces, nephews and really any child who happens to be in the neighborhood.
I absolutely love being creative! As I get older, I realize how much I enjoy growing and learning new things. Because I love to make lists and set new goals, I am constantly tweaking and redefining what I want to do and be. I have been taking cooking lessons and I’m always experimenting on my guests! I love cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, writing and being in the middle of some kind of art project. My biggest adventure these days is running “CAMP GRANDMA” for my grandbabies, nieces, nephews and really any child who happens to be in the neighborhood.
What inspires you to take on the creative with your grandkids?
I have always loved being creative and my mind just thinks that way! My biggest inspiration is my totally sold out and radical love for my God! I love waking up every morning to the beauty of His creation, no matter where we are at. I am in awe of how gorgeous and unique every part of this world is. I can’t help but be inspired to start throwing those noodles!! Since my husband, Gary and I used to run children’s camps and now spend a lot of time between the mountains of Colorado and the Florida beaches, we have started running “Camp Grandma” in both places.
I have always loved being creative and my mind just thinks that way! My biggest inspiration is my totally sold out and radical love for my God! I love waking up every morning to the beauty of His creation, no matter where we are at. I am in awe of how gorgeous and unique every part of this world is. I can’t help but be inspired to start throwing those noodles!! Since my husband, Gary and I used to run children’s camps and now spend a lot of time between the mountains of Colorado and the Florida beaches, we have started running “Camp Grandma” in both places.
As a former elementary school teacher and a home school mom for many years, I love creating kid projects, lesson plans and curriculum for Camp Grandma.

Last year it was “The Pirates of Mexico Beach” where the grandbabies and nieces and nephews met “Pirate Pete” and his sidekick “Thunder." They learned how they too could become a pirate. They got their own Pirate outfits, made their own treasure chests, had scavenger hunts, found magical shells and of course, learned the morning "Camp Grandma" pledge.
This year’s Camp Grandma was held in Colorado and was also combined with a “beginning of summer” celebration. It was a backyard visit to “NEVERLAND." The girls and I drew a map, designed and painted all of the stations and props, and sent out the invitations! A surprise visit from Pirate Pete and a dual between Captain Hook and Peter Pan made it complete. With over 100 costumed friends, it was quite a celebration!
How do you nurture your child’s or grandchild’s creativity?
When my own girls were little, we homeschooled. We constantly had projects around the house, from quilt making to painting and cooking. You name it and we were doing it! Also, every Friday I would dress up as “Thelma." Thelma would knock on the door and visit with a suitcase of merchandise that the girls could purchase. The girls would have to figure out the cost and make their own change. A great math lesson and they never knew that it was Mom until they were much older. They both still talk about Thelma with warm recollection. The girls also had their own cooking company and would make muffins for local businesses. The name of their company was “Sweet Talk & Gourmet."
I also have “Crazy Cooking with Nana” and the girls and I have cooking parties. They have all their own baking and cooking utensils and are quite proficient in their skills.
When my own girls were little, we homeschooled. We constantly had projects around the house, from quilt making to painting and cooking. You name it and we were doing it! Also, every Friday I would dress up as “Thelma." Thelma would knock on the door and visit with a suitcase of merchandise that the girls could purchase. The girls would have to figure out the cost and make their own change. A great math lesson and they never knew that it was Mom until they were much older. They both still talk about Thelma with warm recollection. The girls also had their own cooking company and would make muffins for local businesses. The name of their company was “Sweet Talk & Gourmet."
I also have “Crazy Cooking with Nana” and the girls and I have cooking parties. They have all their own baking and cooking utensils and are quite proficient in their skills.
What sticky noodles can you offer other Moms taking on the creative with their kids?
Home schooling was the best opportunity to slow down from the rat race of life, nurture those creative juices in a natural and more relaxed environment and build a stronger family foundation. As a homeschooler and a public school teacher both, I truly encourage all Moms to not settle when it comes to their kids. I love how young Moms today are so creative and not afraid to think outside the box!! Even though I was quite apprehensive to home school 30 some years ago, I think that was one of the most exciting and creative things that we did! We did all of the academics, but there was so much more time to be way more creative and we could travel whenever we wanted. There are so many support groups all over the country and lots of women who would love to mentor and help. I would even love to help.
What is your child’s/ grandchild’s ideal noodle dish?
I think for both of my daughters and for my grandbabies, I believe that they enjoy any kind of creativity. I have found and believe that making opportunities for kids to be creative builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Both of my girls have a very entrepreneur spirit and are not afraid to take chances and I love it!
Home schooling was the best opportunity to slow down from the rat race of life, nurture those creative juices in a natural and more relaxed environment and build a stronger family foundation. As a homeschooler and a public school teacher both, I truly encourage all Moms to not settle when it comes to their kids. I love how young Moms today are so creative and not afraid to think outside the box!! Even though I was quite apprehensive to home school 30 some years ago, I think that was one of the most exciting and creative things that we did! We did all of the academics, but there was so much more time to be way more creative and we could travel whenever we wanted. There are so many support groups all over the country and lots of women who would love to mentor and help. I would even love to help.
What is your child’s/ grandchild’s ideal noodle dish?
I think for both of my daughters and for my grandbabies, I believe that they enjoy any kind of creativity. I have found and believe that making opportunities for kids to be creative builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Both of my girls have a very entrepreneur spirit and are not afraid to take chances and I love it!