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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

Back in the swing of things

By Lorraine

We realized the time and energy it would take to plan and prepare for our trip abroad but what I didn’t expect was how hard it would be to get back into the swing once we returned home.

Unpacking, laundry, connecting with family, email, snail mail, photos from camera, iPhone photos, sorting photos, editing photos, food shopping, house cleaning, yard work, even making meals is a chore (and you know how I love to cook!)

A cold when I got home (so happy we were well while away) slowed me down too.

I am slowly catching up and getting back in the swing of things as we cherish these these family moments.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Friends, Grandchildren, Jamie, Jared, Jethro, John, Josh, Keri

Fatherless to Fatherfull

By Lorraine

Fatherfull…
isn’t that the sweetest word

I am so thankful for my own dad and father-in-law who now reside in heaven.
I am so proud of my husband and the love he has for our children and grandchildren.
I am so grateful for our son-in-laws as they endeavor to love their wives and raise their children.
And, I am amazed that God calls me His child.
Click on this short video and listen as precious Levi and Lia tell their adoption story in a most endearing way. God is good!
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15


Fatherless to Fatherfull (Levi and Lia)-DaySpringLevi and Lia tell the story of their journey from fatherless to fatherfull. Their parents are in the process of adopting a third child. He is from Eastern Europe, and his name will be Luca. If you would like to find out more about Luca’s adoption or donate to Luca’s adoption fund, visit: youcaring.com/andlucamakes5If you would like to see other recent videos from Levi and Lia, check out:1. “That Tomb is Still Empty” Easter video:www.fb.com/video.php?v=101554813144551652. “Luca’s Lessons” video – Levi and Lia share all the things they want to teach Luca when he joins our family:www.fb.com/video.php?v=101556042329551653. “Happy Dance” adoption announcement video:www.fb.com/video.php?v=10155414365600165

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Fatherless to Fatherfull (Levi and Lia)-DaySpringLevi and Lia tell the story of their journey from fatherless to…
Posted by International Christian Concern on Sunday, June 14, 2015

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: AJ, Bible, brad, Encouragement, Faith, father's Day, John, Josh

Crochet Lego Blocks Scarf

By Lorraine

Easy pattern for a Crochet Lego Blocks Scarf for the hipster or kid on your gift-giving list. Colorful popcorn stitch creates Lego looking blocks.
The fun and interest in building and creating with LEGO’s can follow a kid right into adulthood. I know a guy (not the guy in the photos) with a huge collection and though now without much time with career and other responsibilities, is still, unashamedly, an enthusiast. This crochet LEGO scarf is a gift for my daughter’s boyfriend and my son-in-law bravely modeled it for me before I gave it away.Continue Reading

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

Homemade Tomato Ketchup

By Lorraine

A favorite American condiment, homemade tomato ketchup is easy, inexpensive and better than store-bought. Recipe uses items you probably already have and is cooked right on the stovetop with just 20 minutes cook time.Did you ever think to make homemade tomato ketchup? Neither did I. I’d be embarrassed to tell you all of the food I like served with ketchup. It started as a child when my mom used it to encourage me to eat different foods and, well, I guess you’d say I just never outgrew my love for ketchup. And, apparently others like ketchup too. It is a favorite American condiment found in 97 percent of U.S. homes.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recipes, Vegetables & Sides Tagged With: condiments, homemade, Josh, ketchup

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

Love each other deeply

By Lorraine

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Matthew 19:5-6

Our sweet niece, Courtney married her beloved, Steve this weekend
 the ceremony (above photos from my sister-in-law’s facebook page)
(above photos from my sister-in-law’s facebook page)
 dancing with her dad
(Wes is my husband’s brother)
 Courtney and Wes
(Top) three of our four daughters: Jamie, (who is expecting her seventh baby next month), me, our oldest, Erin and our youngest, Abbey.  Jamie’s twin sister, Jill was not able to travel down for the wedding.

Having fun in the photo booth!
Josh and Jamie, Abbey, John and I. Just couldn’t coax Erin and AJ to join us for this silliness!

do you suppose it was John’s glasses and sombrero that scared them away 😉 

Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Abbey, Bible, Erin, Faith, Jamie, John, Josh, Love

My New Favorite Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

By Lorraine

Sage-infused Fettuccine Alfredo is an easy recipe for a lighter, healthier version of Fettuccine Alfredo. Serve with a crisp salad or topped with grilled chicken for a lovely Easter dinner, romantic Valentine's Day or whenever you want a special pasta meal. 
 I recently saw Lidia Bastianich prepare Fettuccine Alfredo using just a few ingredients. Although I already have a favorite recipe, I know it is high in calories. I made this version lighter and love how quickly it comes together as the pasta is cooking.  Don’t be afraid to use the sage ~ it infuses just a hint of flavor.
Sage-infused Fettuccine Alfredo is an easy recipe for a lighter, healthier version of Fettuccine Alfredo. Serve with a crisp salad or topped with grilled chicken for a lovely Easter dinner, romantic Valentine’s Day or whenever you want a special pasta meal.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Pasta, Recipes Tagged With: Abbey, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Easter, Grandchildren, Jamie, Jared, Josh, Keri, Noah, Silas

December Highlights

By Lorraine

 outside vignettes
 inside

 

 Our weekly Bible Study Community Group having a blast at our annual Christmas Dinner
 The dearest folks that bring so much encouragement, wisdom, prayers and love to us and each other every week.
John’s Company Holiday Party.
Abbey is an employee here too, since July and someone took a photo of her and the co-founder/Executive Vice President because they are the youngest and the oldest employees.
 Christmas Eve at Jamie’s playing “Don’t Eat Cashew!” game.
Enjoying the ambiance and Christmas Eve peacefulness of her warm home.
Christmas morning with Abbey
Watched (over and over) a heartwarming video of NY grandkids singing to us via cell phone video.
 Erin, AJ and Jared & Jamie, Josh and family arrived late afternoon. They learned that Cashew was being extra mischievous and hid all of the Christmas presents. After dashing throughout the house, Keri was the first to find them in a large cabinet that recently housed our TV. 
 such fun
 chilling after dinner
 Look of fright on Chloe’s face as PopPop takes her photo.
She is a bit uncertain of him as were two other grandkids when they were babies.
Some little ones love guys and some prefer girls but they all come to love him when they get a little older.
Here he is trying to to divert her attention so she realizes he really is a nice PopPop
One of my favorite shots
The adults were still chatting in the dining room after dessert and I walked into the kitchen and noticed the kids playing with the trains and talking about the village houses and which are there favorite.  Noah even remembered which ones were his NY cousins’ favorite.
It was so sweet to hear see them having a quiet moment at the end of some busy days.
Notice Caleb looking over the sofa arm 🙂

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: AJ, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Childhood Memories, Chloe, Christmas, Erin, Friends, Jamie, Jared, John, Josh, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

My Blessings

By Lorraine

 around the table

and Face Time with Jill and family in NY 🙂

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, AJ, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Erin, Grandchildren, Jamie, Jared, John, Josh, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Raider, Schnauzer, Silas

August

By Lorraine

 jenny and nick’s wedding
 happy baby 
 birthday fun
the lake 
 baby hat
fishing 
twilight
canoeing
fancy evening

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: brad, Brenna, Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Grandchildren, Jamie, Jill, John, Josh, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Ryan, shaela, Silas

Think on These Things #18 ~ Fathers

By Lorraine

Thank you , Dear LORD, for the fathers in our family. Strengthen those still with us, guide them and give them Your wisdom as they seek to raise the children You gave them, in a manner that reflects Your kindness, patience and love. The task is great, LORD. The influence of the world is unrelenting. Draw them ever closer to You and be their constant help.
Nineteen children are represented by the men in this photo.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: AJ, Bible, brad, Daddy, Encouragement, Faith, John, Josh, Love, Poems, Think On These Things

Toni and Joe

By Lorraine

I knew this day would be a very special one because the two individuals joining hands and hearts together are very special.  This was the day Toni and Joe exchange their vows to one another to be there for each other in all capacities for the rest of their lives.
Photo Source: Unknown from facebook

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Abbey, AJ, Erin, Jamie, Jared, John, Josh, Karen, Lorrie, Love, Sisters

Mother’s Day Weekend

By Lorraine

Saturday, John and I worked from 7am until 3pm in the yard weeding, trimming bushes and adding a new berm where there was a bare spot from a Japanese Maple we lost last year.  We quit to shower and dress for a drive to my cousin’s son’s wedding reception.  We picked up my sister on the way and headed to a lovely evening with family and friends.
Johnny and Nanea had a beautiful beach wedding a few weeks ago in Hawaii.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Caleb, Cambrie, Chloe, Garden, Grandchildren, Jamie, John, Josh, Karen, Keri, Lorrie, Noah, Silas, Sisters

A Peek into Their Lively World

By Lorraine

I took all of these photos from my daughters fb page because they all melt my heart and capture moments of  their life

and these last three really warm my heart

I imagine their life can seem a little blurred at times 🙂
♥
Talking with Chloe

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

Fresh From Heaven ~ A Little Leapling

By Lorraine

She’s a leap year baby
delivered by a 10 year old leapling doctor (age 40 in regular years)
She doesn’t have a name yet

and distance didn’t keep Jamie’s twin sister, Jill from the miracle of birth!

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Grandchildren, Jamie, Jill, Josh

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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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