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Lorraine D. Hebler

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Something Fishy Matching Memory Game

By Lorraine

Cute and colorful, Something Fishy matching memory game, provides hours of fun for kids while building recall, focusing and problem solving skills.

As a grandmom, I like to have fun activities for the kids when they are visiting. Interactive games for varied ages work well. These cute and colorful, Something Fishy matching memory game, provides hours of fun for kids while building recall, focusing and problem solving skills.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Printables Tagged With: Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Jethro, Joelle, Noah, Silas

Spooky Halloween Food

By Lorraine

For goblins & ghouls, spooky Halloween food of bloodshot eyeball deviled eggs, moldy popcorn, spider web, squashed soup & lots more inspiration.
read with a slow, deep, menacing accent…
Do come in my friend…
I have prepared for you fiendish and Spooky Halloween food that will send shivers down your spine…Continue Reading

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Halloween, Jethro, John, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

End of Year Wrap-up

By Lorraine

End of Year Wrap-up
As the year draws to a close I’m trying to catch up by posting activities and memory-making moments with and for family. It’s been a busy and full couple of months. My heart overflows. Hard to imagine that less than five months ago I had a total hip replacement.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Christmas, community Group, Erin, Grandchildren, Jamie, Jared, Jethro, Jill, Joelle, Keri, Noah, Silas, Sisters

McVities Chocolate Tiffin

By Lorraine

I was super excited to find McVities Digestive Biscuits at a local store. Now I could make this no-bake English treat with the authentic ingredient.

Tiffin is a chocolate confection filled with nuts, dried fruit and broken bits of cookie.

McVities Chocolate Tiffin
source

25 MINS. preparation – 30 MINS. refrigeration
Serves 12

INGREDIENTS
250g chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
*7/8 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp corn syrup (I used 2 parts Karo corn syrup and 1 part molassas)
1 cup roasted shelled hazelnuts ( I used cashews)
1/2 package McVITIE’S DIGESTIVES© (200g), roughly chopped
1 cup dried figs, chopped (I used dried cherries)
75g white chocolate

RECIPE
Grease and line a 20cm square tin. (I used an 8×8-inch pan)

Melt the dark chocolate, corn syrup and butter in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until well combined. (I used the microwave, 30 seconds at a time at 30% powder, stirring between each time until melted and smooth)

Fold in the hazelnuts, McVITIE’S DIGESTIVES© and figs.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and press it down firmly to remove any air bubbles.

Melt the white chocolate in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water.

Drizzle it over the tiffin with a teaspoon in lines and use a cocktail stick to drag the chocolate lines in a backwards and forwards motion across the whole tiffin.

Leave in the fridge to set before serving.

RECIPE NOTES:

* I miss calculated the amount of butter when preparing, using 7/8 of a stick rather than 7/8 of a cup of butter. Though I saved a bunch of fat and calories and the tiffin tasted wonderful, it was a little crumbly and it would had make a prettier confection with the additional butter.

Feel free to substitute your favorite nut and dried fruit for the hazelnuts and figs. Other recipes suggest using graham crackers if you can’t find McVities Digestives. I have substituted vanilla wafer cookies with success.

Here is the link to another yummy tiffin recipe I made with my grandsons a few years back.

Filed Under: Cookies & Bars, Recipes, Sweet Treats Tagged With: Caleb, Christmas, Silas

My Soul Finds Rest

By Lorraine

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28
We’ve faced much sadness these past weeks yet we take hold of the hope set before us and we are greatly encouraged.

 

Our longtime friend and the mother of our son-in-law lost her battle with cancer. A precious lady who loved the Lord with all of her heart and left a beautiful legacy not only with her family but with all that knew her.
Those who went to the cemetery were given a small envelope containing a butterfly. They were released after pastor spoke. Someone placed a butterfly on the flower headband worn by baby Joelle. Jamie posted this on fb:
This little sweetheart is the niece of our other son-in-law.  This 14-month beautiful girl was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and has begun chemo to shrink the mass before surgery to remove it. Prayers for Emma and her Mommy and Daddy are greatly appreciated!
The only sibling of  Abbey’s best friend lost his life in a car accident. Just 20 years old, Dan was to be Abbey’s escort at his sister Vicki’s wedding next year. I can’t imaging the difficult journey this family now must walk.
Friday night we made a hard decision. As Raider’s Sick Sinus Syndrome had progressed, he began having labored, rapid breathing and became tuckered out even with little exertion. On Thursday, he laid on me and I rocked him, silently thinking in my heart that he would just stop breathing and his heart would cease beating and he would die peacefully. We talked with the veterinarian and learned that his breathing difficulties would not be peaceful and left it that we would contact her Sunday morning.  As we were getting ready for bed Friday night, it was apparent he was in distress and prolonging his life made no sense so we left for a final car ride just as we did 14 years ago with our dog, Scotty. 
We returned home with an empty collar and a sweet paw print that was made for us by the veterinarian staff and a heart full of memories of my sweet boy.
Even amid all of the heartache, the Lord never leaves us and pours out his mercy and grace.
Here are some happy moments from the past few weeks.
Jill, Brad and family visited for a week. They returned home and then Jill and two of the kids came back for the funeral.
Cambrie lost her two front teeth
Silas celebrated his 10th birthday
Keri received an Excellence in Character award
Braden loved hand feeding Raider
Keri went to Take your child to work day with her PopPop
My  daughter, Jill (one of the twins) took me to dinner for Mother’s Day Monday evening. It was super special to spend time just with her! 
 
 And Abbey and I enjoyed a great lunch after church on Mother’s Day.
May 15th is the 10th anniversary of my dad’s passing.  I am so thankful for his sincere response to the call of the Lord to be his savior.
Finally, in my near future, I will be having a total hip replacement. Not scheduled yet because I have had too much on my plate. It takes 6-8 weeks to prepare for surgery and you can be sure I will be requesting prayer for this!
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: Abbey, Bible, Braden, Cambrie, Daddy, Faith, Jill, Joelle, Keri, Lorrie, Love, Raider, Silas

Potato and Ham Soup

By Lorraine

When plans to be out for the day suddenly changed and I found I had nothing pressing to do, I knew immediately what I wanted.  I called my sister and was thrilled she was able to come for a visit. We chatted, caught up on family, laughed and ate a light lunch of potato and Ham Soup while Jared, Abbey, Erin and John popped in and out.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recipes, Soups & Stews Tagged With: Abbey, brad, Braden, Brenna, Cambrie, Easter, Grandchildren, Jared, Jill, Joelle, Keri, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

Welcome baby Joelle Elizabeth

By Lorraine

Big sister Chloe, welcomed the newest member of the family on her birthday.
Baby Joelle Elizabeth not only shares a birthday with her sister, but they are both little leaplings.
Both born February 29th, four years apart.

 Not due until March 17th, Joelle came a little early to join her seven brothers and sisters.
 It doesn’t look like she will be in want of love and hugs anytime soon.
 Joelle came into the world with very dark hair, at the same weight as her momma did (6 lbs. 7 oz.) and looking (in my opinion) much like her momma did at birth. She needed a little encouragement to let out a big cry after birth and still needs to see those bilirubin numbers drop but she is doing just fine. 
A local hospital and paper shared this special leap day birth noting that the delivery doctor is a leap day baby as well 🙂 
We celebrated Chloe’s birthday on the 28th and Caleb turned 8 on March 4th.  PopPop John got to watch Silas play in a soccer tournament and we even had a late winter snow that cleared up by afternoon. 
I wrapped up the week with a special outing to the Philadelphia Flower Show with dear friends.
The theme this year is National Parks and it was all so beautiful!
and… I even managed to get this post prepared!
Happy Sunday, sweet blogging friends!

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

Easter Peep Graham Cracker House

By Lorraine

 
Adorable little Easter Peep Graham Cracker House is so easy to make using royal frosting to glue and assemble coop. Sweet treats for kids and cute table place-setting decorations.
Inspiration abounds on Pinterest!  You have probably seen these adorable little Easter Peep Graham Cracker Houses.  I visited Yesterfood to see how Joy made them.  A sweet Easter table decoration and a fun after-dinner treat for the kids. So fun, that one little guy determined he was NOT willing to share.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Easter, Grandchildren, Jared, Jethro, Keri, Noah, Raider, Silas

Family Recap

By Lorraine

I have been so busy this past month that I am just now catching up on family photos. These are the posts the little ones love best ~ the ones filled with their sweet faces.
These are my favorite posts too.
 
 
  ♥ ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥ ♥
 

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Christmas, Grandchildren, Jared, Jethro, Keri, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

i am chloe

By Lorraine

can you guess i am
2
by
my antics
my expressions
my spontaneity
my elfish behavior

We went to our daughter’s house Saturday morning to watch the kids while she ran in the Philadelphia 5k Rocky Balboa race
chloe was perfectly 2-years-old
she pulled on an over-sized skirt  
plucked a princess crown on her noggin
and went about the business of being 2
I had the joy of capturing some of her magical moments
the princess and her pop-pop
being sweet
being coy
letting PopPop kiss her cheek
(oh, who can resist those soft cheeks)
being resolute in a stare-down
being vocal about a sibling offence 
being aggrieved
 raider has a special attachment to chloe
she shares her food with him
but only if she wants  
 each child… so unique… overflowing with personality and individual talents 
jammie clad… climbing cherub… crafty keri… chocolate faced… chapped lips…
photobomer…chillin’ sisters… quiet play…
hanging out at their house is truly delightful 
and their mom (with  a friend) braved the chilly morning temps to run a race.  she did it in 9 min 7 sec miles with a 28:22 finish.
what . a . champ!

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

Cousins Camp ~ Part 4 Wrap Up

By Lorraine

~ DAY 5 ~
After a full and exciting day at the water park, we spent Thursday at a relaxed pace. Ryan stayed over Aunt Jamie’s to be with the boys and Keri stayed here with the girls.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: AJ, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Cousins Camp, Erin, Grandchildren, Jethro, John, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

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

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

Jethro’s Turn…

By Lorraine

…to have his photo taken in PopPop’s christening outfit

I have photos of all but two grandchildren in this vintage romper as well as our youngest daughter, Abbey who is now 22 years old.  Somehow, I missed grandchildren, Keri and Noah and never thought of it when our older girls were babies. That makes me a little sad since it has now become a tradition.

 

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren, Vintage Tagged With: Abbey, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Jared, Jethro, John, Ryan, shaela, Silas

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

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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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