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Lorraine D. Hebler

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Cousins Camp ~ Part 3

By Lorraine

~ DAY 4 ~
John took a vacation day on Monday to join us at Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor/Outdoor Water Park.
This place is less than 15 minutes from home so we saved travel time and gas mileage plus we qualified for discount tickets using our AAA card.  No one was happier to officially be a senior than John that day as his ticket was FREE!  And, FREE makes him very happy 🙂

 After the girls had their early morning tea on the patio, we all met at the water park and it was off to cross the crocodile flats on swaying lily pads. 
Here Jared convinces his PopPop he will not get drenched along the Lazy River Congo Bongo.
Would you had believed that boy?!?
One of us preferred to stay alert and avoid most of the deluges 😉
 For the kids, getting waterlogged was the goal.
 Silas, the youngest stuck close by Jared who kindly accompanied him throughout the day.
 over and over and over they climbed the steps, hopped into their tubes and zoomed down the winding shoots to be deposited in a pool of water at the bottom
 There are four slides and the kids made use of them all. A 350-feet body slide, Snake Eyes for a single person tube or a double person tube and the Kilimanjaro that is family size.   
 Jared accompanied the girls many times 
And you didn’t think he would let me off the hook, did you?
That first curve was quite jolting so I prayed, relaxed (sort of) and looped and swirled to the bottom.
All of the colorful slides wind around the outside of the building.
We saved a bundle of money by bringing lunch.  There is NO food or drinks allowed to be brought into the park so I packed hoagies I made in the morning, orange slices, chips, cookies and drinks.  We headed to the parking lot to have our tailgate lunch.  Not very elegant but the kids devoured it all, even the ones who usually have small appetites!
After lunch, they wanted to return to the inside park.  Then they saw the awesome wave pool.
After watching some really amazing people on the FlowRider Surfing Simulator, Noah and Ryan wanted to give it a try.  We had to sign a special waiver before they could and we weren’t sure how they would do. We’d been watching a lot of people and it looked quite challenging.
I love their faces of determination as they rode the waves and managed to stay on their boards for the duration!
  It was hard to end the day.
“Just once more on the…. 
just once more?
We stayed to nearly closing.

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Brenna, Cousins Camp, Grandchildren, Jared, John, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

Cousins Camp ~ Part 2

By Lorraine

~  DAY 3 ~
Sunday morning was spent at church with cousins Keri, Noah, Silas, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe and baby Jet.
Afterward, the girls went with me to Aunt Erin’s Salon to learn some hair styling techniques. Ryan tagged along to hang out with his oldest cousin, Jared.

 Aunt Erin showed us great blow-drying and curling iron techniques, gave the girls goody bags and served amazing appetizers
Beee-U-T-ful girls 
Early evening, their request was for me to take “TRICKY PICS” of them.
And, here they are being “TRICKY”! 

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Brenna, Cousins Camp, Erin, Grandchildren, Jared, Keri, Ryan, shaela

when brother is sick

By Lorraine

baby Jet has been sick for a bit unable to shake a fever, croupy, bronchial virus illness that sent him to the hospital for a couple of days.  He is home now with meds and should start to feel better soon.
 
Four of his siblings came to my house so Jets mom and dad could take care of him.
I should be running around, cleaning up and getting ready for our three up-state New York grandchildren coming down on Friday to spend the week. Instead, I am sharing some glimpses and moments of our time together…
 
Sick little brother
hospital stay
siblings at Mom-Moms
ready for play
 
trip to the playground
slip down the slide
twirling and dancing
places to hide
 
snooze with the pup
splash in the sink  
swishing those bubbles
drawing with pink
 
buckled in car seats
noodles to eat
bedtime stories
Incredibly sweet
 
library visit
more books to read
pieces in puzzles
tummies to feed
 
climb in the playhouse
French fries to munch
peeking from high spots
all during lunch
 
toys scattered about
sink full of mess
washer still running
house in distress
 
tickles and smooches
diapers to change
fingers need wiping
smells that are strange
 
snuggles at bedtime
piggies and toes
bath time all finished
soon they will doze
 
sleeping so sweetly
my eyes behold
blessings from heaven
 
worth more than gold
copyright 2014 by Lorraine @With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart
 
 

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Jethro, Keri, poem

Ocean View

By Lorraine

A girl and her grandfather on a bench at the beach enjoying the ocean view. Memories, relationship and love between the generations. A girl and her grandfather on a bench at the beach enjoying the ocean view. Memories, relationship and love between the generations.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Faith, Grandchildren Tagged With: Bible, Faith, Grandchildren, John, Keri, poem, Think On These Things

snapshot

By Lorraine

a quick snapshot of busy days and special moments
chubby toddler hands
French braids 
surprise 90th birthday party
kids and grandkids visiting
fun with cousins
 longtime friends
convo with pop-pop

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Brenna, Cambrie, Chloe, Friends, Grandchildren, Jethro, John, Keri, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

Chocolate Buttercream & Coconut Easter Eggs

By Lorraine

Making Easter chocolate eggs is such an endearing tradition especially when done together with children or grandchildren. Gather up the ingredients, corral some children and make some delicious, chocolate buttercream and coconut Easter eggs together.
Making Easter chocolate eggs is such an endearing tradition especially when done together with children or grandchildren. Gather up the ingredients, corral some children and make some delicious, chocolate buttercream and coconut Easter eggs together.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Caleb, Chloe, Easter, Jethro, Keri, Noah, Silas

Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles

By Lorraine

 
Decadent Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles are perfect no-bake Valentine's Day treats. They looks so elegant as well. Sweetened cream cheese and chocolate mixture is rolled into balls and then dipped in more melted chocolate. Roll in powdered sugar, cocoa or nuts and enjoy!
Decadent Cream Cheese Chocolate Truffles are perfect, no-bake Valentine’s Day treats. They look elegant as well. Sweetened cream cheese and chocolate mixture is rolled into balls and then dipped in more melted chocolate. Roll in powdered sugar, cocoa or nuts and enjoy!

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: candy, chocolate, Keri, Valentine's Day

Cardinal in Winter

By Lorraine

I saw a cardinal on a branch outside our powder room window. I was able to get a few photos. I wanted to add a verse or poem for my Sunday post but couldn’t find something I liked. Our granddaughter, Keri Jill, told me she likes to write poetry and in a few minutes read to me the following short and sweet poem about a cardinal in winter.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Birds & Butterflies, Home and Garden Tagged With: Abbey, Birds, Keri, poem

The Birthday Guy

By Lorraine

Yesterday was my guys birthday.
He took the day off and we spent it in a relaxed way doing some of his favorite things.
as he planned…
Not up at 5:15 this morning
a hearty, at-home breakfast.
off to the movies to see Frozen 
a late-afternoon pastrami sandwich at a nearby delicatessen  (yes, he has been hankering for a pastrami sandwich)
then to a second movie… Saving Mr. Banks
(we liked both movies)
and finally birthday cake with some of his huggable & snuggly grandkids
This morning, he is still talking about how much he enjoyed the day
🙂
John’s life verse:
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Bible, birthday, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Jamie, Jethro, John, Josh, Keri, Noah, Silas

Double Birthday Party Dinner

By Lorraine

Wrapping up a whirlwind Christmas holiday with our extended family last night was the perfect ending to Jill and Brad’s visit.
Since many of our family members don’t get to see them very often and since two really awesome guys are having birthdays, we got together to celebrate.

Happy Birthday Joe (our nephew) and Brad (our son-in-law)!

These two little girls became instant best friends forever.
Does anyone know the genealogical relationship between children that share the same great-grandparents (their grandparents are sisters) ?
Cambrie is my grandchild and Olivia is my sisters grandchild ~ I think that makes them second cousins?

Our handsome, Joe married to … 

 our niece, Toni (with her cousin, Jamie’s baby Jethro) (1st cousin once removed?)

my sister, Carol, Toni, totally enjoying baby Jet and my niece, Eva 

 my brother, Frank and our son-in-law, Brad

 my sister-in-law, Arlene and our daughter Jill

 Carol, me, Carol’s daughter Chris and Chris’ daughter Alexis

Sweet Chloe
Abbey with her boyfriend, Ryan, a very nice mutual friend and our grandson, Jared

 Little one enjoying a movie in Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s room

Many years ago, our sister-in-law began a tradition of snapping Christmas photos of my brother (her husband) my sister and I.

 They have become cherished memories for each of us.

shivering kiddos giving their good-byes before cousins head home to upstate NY
~ regretfully, I did not get photos with Jamie, Josh, John, or niece Caitee ~

{happy sigh}… next comes January. A welcome time for me after the (enjoyable) hustle and bustle.
I love the newness of January and the whiteness of snow (hopefully) and a time to refresh.
Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, Birthday Family, brad, Brenna, brother, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Christmas, Jethro, Jill, Keri, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas, Sisters

Our 2013 Christmas

By Lorraine

CHRISTMAS EVE
church then back home for our traditional Christmas Eve meal served in the family roomContinue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Christmas, Erin, Jamie, Jethro, Jill, John, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

Happy Birthday Little Cammie Lou Who!

By Lorraine

Look who’s turning 4!
It’s
 Cambrie Noelle
or rather, Little Cammie Lou Who
 mama decorated with bingle balls and whofoo fluff
 Cammie gave a great big puff
 pantookas hung on the ceilings high
 there was feasting on Roast Beast and who-hash pie
 Every sibling-Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small
had lots of fun and the best time of all!
 Jamie, her dad and newest family member
 pop-pop and the wee one

 a stare-down
 that turned to
 giggles
and a surprise snow storm from the forecast calling for a covering to an inch… we got NINE inches!
After an almost two hour drive (on very slippery roads) that normally takes 35 minutes, this is what it looked like when we got home.
Since I didn’t yet officially introduce out newest grandchild born October 23rd
may I present
Jethro Ross
Jethro joins siblings
Keri, Noah, Silas, Caleb, Cambrie and Chloe

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Birthday Family, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Jamie, Jethro, John, Keri, Noah, Silas

counting my blessings

By Lorraine

 Since we don’t see these precious grands as often as our others, photos from Jill are greatly appreciated!
These were taken just as the kids were heading back to school.
Perfect weather, and a very dear friend visiting from Texas made for an extra special outside brunch to celebrate birthdays.
An Autumn Carnival was the theme for Grandparents Day at Keri and Noah’s school.
The weather was perfect for a full morning of activities with both sets of grandparents loving these two kiddos.
and a reminder why I really blog…
John called my attention recently to the kids at the computer.  I was so surprised to see them having fun perusing my blog and laughing at posts that include them. When they scroll to the bottom of each page they see the list of labels I add to each post making it easy for them to click and and go every post that is about them.
It truly warmed my heart to see this.
❤
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows
James 1:17

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Bible, birthday, Brenna, Cambrie, Friends, Grandchildren, Keri, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Think On These Things

Short Infinity Scarf

By Lorraine

Easy crochet pattern for short version infinity scarf. Works up quickly and pattern is easily adapted. Pretty aqua yarn.
Short and quick projects can be so rewarding.  Instant gratification for finishing a project. It is even better when the end result is a warm and snugly neck warmer. It doesn’t take much time to crochet a short infinity scarf for someone you love.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Crafts, Crochet Tagged With: Crafts, Crochet, Keri, tutorial

After School with the Grandchildren

By Lorraine

I spent the afternoon visiting with Jamie and her children, taking photos and helping with homework. After school with the grandchildren is a time for me to connect with these dear little ones and gives their mom a short reprieve.
1 year old Chloe being shyContinue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Keri, Noah, Silas

Switcheroo and Birthday Fun

By Lorraine

After a two week visit in New Jersey, our daughter, Jill and family headed back to their New York home.
They took Jared with them and left their youngest daughter, Shaela here with us!
Not permanently or course, just for a week. 
Keri came by to keep her cousin company and the two of them made a cake
gave me hugs
made
* a card * a heart * a star * finger puppets *
(representing my four daughters)

included Raider in the celebration
and delighted me with an adorable birthday skit!
a totally perfect birthday!

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Birthday Family, Grandchildren, Keri, Raider, shaela

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Hi! I'm Lorraine. Welcome to Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart. A place to find food for your tummy, projects for your hands, and encouragement for your heart.

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