Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart

Baking Ginger Crinkles Cookies

By Lorraine

Lightly spiced Ginger Crinkles are a favorite when baking cookies with kids. Crunchy and crackled outside with chewy center. Perfect for autumn.Remembering your childhood, what comes to mind when you think about autumn? Windy days and colorful trees? Raking and then  jumping into piles of leaves? Hayrides to the pumpkin patch and apple picking?

How about gingersnap cookies? Were you were lucky enough to have a mom or grandma that liked to bake and made these for you? Lightly spiced Ginger Crinkles are a favorite when baking cookies with kids. Their crunchy and crackled outside with a chewy center make them irresistible. Perfect for autumn snacking.

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

snippets of family and friends

By Lorraine

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 
Edith Sitwell

This sweet home is where our daughter, Jamie and husband Josh and family now live, love and grow.  They moved in just before the holidays and are enjoying a lovely, spacious house that more than accommodates their large family.
baby #8 is due in March 🙂
above photos by Nathan Lawrensen Photography
Upstate NY twin, Jill, husband Brad and their precious four. 
Youngest daughter, Abbey feeling better after losing her car in a traffic accident.  She was hit from behind while sitting at a traffic light and forced into the cars in front of her.
The bottom left photo is Abbey and our oldest grandson, Jared, taken by dear, sweet blogging friend Judy (Just a Little Something for You).
A delightful visit from Judy and her husband, John, who came bearing delicious treats, pretty plates, exciting cookbook, warm smiles, loving hearts and leaving us happy and thankful for very special friends.
A pic with my brother as we celebrated a loved nephews birthday.
 visiting grand kids
 warm inside ~ cold outside
a surprise party celebrating my aunts 75th birthday
warm by the hearth

Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

By Lorraine

Grandchildren tested and often requested: A very yummy pancake that rises high and light!

What better than a delicious pancake breakfast with your favorite three year old during a late winter snowstorm!

I received this text a couple days ago…
and, of course, I excitedly drove right over to bring Chloe here for a few days.

Because I can’t resist moments like these…

When she comes down from the nursery bedecked in her favorite dress-up clothes and her princess tiara. 

Or when she snoozed with the pup.

And keeps me company as I drive to the dog groomer.
So when Chloe asked for pancakes, I whipped up my all-time favorite recipe.

To ready us for shoveling 8 more inches of this stuff.

Fluffy Pancakes
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
cooking spray
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour”.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into “soured” milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side
NOTES:
I always double recipe because it only makes about 7 pancakes. If there are leftovers, the pancakes freeze well and reheat well in the microwave. I get about 18 3-4 inch pancakes from a double recipe.
I prefer to top my pancakes with fruit but if you like, stir blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.
Cool completely before separating between layers of waxed paper and storing in freezer bags. Heat from frozen in microwave on high for just about a minute. They taste like they were just made!

This is my go-to recipe for pancakes because they are so good any time of the year.
We even like to have them for dinner with a side of bacon or sausage.
.
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www.gratefulprayerthankfulheart.com

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

By Lorraine

Begin a routine of brushing your dogs teeth for healthy gums and help prevent dental issues and costly vet fees. It is easier than you think.
Did you know February is National Pet Dental Health Month?  Neither did I. So, before February ends, it seems a perfect time to share a post I had in draft showing how to brush your dog’s teeth.  We now keep our Schnauzer’s teeth brushed and clean. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is much easier than I thought. Scroll down to learn how to brush your dog’s teeth.

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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!

sad pup

By Lorraine

aww… this getting older stuff stinks!
My appetite has been off (probably) because it hurt to chew.
 my gums were red and inflamed and I had plaque buildup
 so off to to the veterinarian this morning for another dental cleaning
 and… the extraction of SIX teeth. Four loose ones, one getting loose and one abscessed.
now I have stitches, a sore throat and feel dreadful
Since I had a full dental cleaning just over a year ago, Mom resolved to (do her best to) brush my teeth everyday so I don’t have to have them professionally cleaned every year and break the piggy bank.
Doc sent me home with an antibiotic and Rimadyl and said the stitches will dissolve in about 14 days and I will feel better.
And, will be even more kissable and lovable (if that is possible).
My family loves me!

Here are some Periodontal Disease signs and symptoms to look for from Pets Adviser:

Bad Breath: The bacteria from decaying food that causes gingivitis and infection in your dog’s  mouth also results in abnormally bad breath. We don’t expect doggy breath to be “minty fresh,” but any type of sour, acrid odor is indicative of some kind of disease process in your pet’s mouth or other internal organs. (Yes, cats can have bad breath too.)

Inflamed Gums: Also called “gingivitis,” the disease that causes your dog’s red, inflamed and sometimes bleeding gums is a result of the bacteria that linger in his mouth from food left in his teeth. This bacterium typically gathers under the gum line around the roots of the teeth and can cause an infection that leads to tooth loss, bone degeneration and, in severe cases, possible major organ disease.

Plaque and Calculus: Dental plaque is composed of the food particles and saliva that mix together to form a sticky film on your dog’s teeth. If the plaque is left on the teeth, it will harden into a thick, bone-like formation called calculus (or tartar), which can cover the entire tooth and hide an underlying infection.

Swollen Jaw: Often, when infection gathers around the tooth root and creates an abscess, swelling of the jaw occurs that is visible to the naked eye. There will be a lump either on the lower jaw close to your pup’s neck or on the upper jaw just under his eye socket. Sometimes, if the abscess becomes large enough to burst, it will break through the skin covering it and you’ll see pus seeping onto your dog’s fur from a small hole in the lump.

Trouble Chewing: You may notice that your dog is having trouble chewing his food, or that he’s stopped chewing altogether and is just gulping it down. If you look inside his mouth, you may also see loose or missing teeth where the tooth roots have detached from the bone because of disease. Rotting, infected teeth and gums can be extremely painful, and loose teeth can cause your pet to stop using his mouth to break up his food.

Nasal Discharge and Sneezing: When your dog’s gums become infected on his maxilla (upper jaw), the roots of the teeth can abscess, creating pockets of pus and infection that can reach up into his sinus cavities. When the sinuses become infected, your pup can develop a runny nose and begin sneezing.

lilacs

By Lorraine

 The sweet fragrance of lilac fills the air and it reminds me of the joy and blessing of friendship!
 It’s been a perfect couple of days after some very heavy rain this week.
The grass is green, the trees are blooming and it is really spring!
 It is also Raider’s birthday
 I think he is feeling his 11 years
 a quick selfie before heading out for another full day of yard work
my boy
❤

snowy weather

By Lorraine

getting stuck in the snow isn’t fun for anyone
such a woeful little face
 but so pretty when the snow clouds depart and the sun shines brightly
all sparkly and glittery
~ no warm sunshine today, however.  Just a mix of light rain and snow showers~

Banana Oat Bars and Winter Days

By Lorraine

I take lots of photos.  I keep the best and organize them into various file folders for easy retrieval should I want to find something in the future.  The others I delete.  Usually I keep up, but inevitably fall behind in this task each fall when I get extra busy with projects.
That’s what I have been working on these crazy weather days.  After the new year we had an eight-inch snowstorm.  A few days ago there were -30 wind-chills. Then is warmed up and all the snow melted. This morning is was freezing, icy rain that caused accidents everywhere and even a salt truck overturning.  Tomorrow it is going up to 60 degrees F.  
Like the random weather, I am sharing unrelated photos and throwing in a recipe that I spontaneously made when I saw the recipe posted on facebook.

 This adorable photo is of our youngest grandchild, Jethro.  His mama took the picture and I couldn’t resist sharing.  I didn’t make the hat – it was in a hand-me-down container of clothes he received.

 Icy precipitation covered these lilac branches yesterday.
So I didn’t expect to see this robin land on a branch as icy raindrops fell.  
Almost through a cord of wood already as we stay warm in frigid temperatures.  For the first time I had frost on the inside of my windows.  Noah and Silas bundled up and braved the chill long enough to build a dapper snowman
 Cambrie asked if she could make her favorite Silly faces as I snapped photos.
Our oldest grandson was nominated for Student of the month and his mom received a certificate for National Criminal Justice Honor Society from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia

We worked very hard liquidating Aunt Marie’s sweet little Sears Kit house bungalow and readied to sell.
A fun selfie pic of John and I enjoying a stay-at-home date-night of wine and pizza while we watched the old movie classic, Roman Holiday
My sister and I at her daughters birthday party
My favorite pup
 I couldn’t share this patchwork quilt prior to Christmas because it was a surprise for our daughter, Jill who is providing foster care for a dear baby boy.  With the extra fabric I made the soft cube toy for him as well.
I didn’t know this photo was taken until I saw it on our churches website.  Baby Jethro in the glow of candlelight as we sang Silent Night on Christmas Eve. Abbey is in the foreground with Caleb, Chloe and Jamie in the background.
 And finally, no sooner did I see a recipe on my facebook feed, I went straightway to the kitchen and gave this Banana Oat Bar a try.  It caught my attention because it was suggested as an alternative to wrongful cravings (which I was having).  The original recipe contains no sugar, butter or eggs and since I had ripe bananas on the counter, I whipped it together and popped it into the toaster oven in little time.
The recipe wasn’t detailed so I wasn’t sure if it would bake up like a bar or be more like baked oatmeal.  I sprayed the dish prior to spreading the mixture and was happy that it came out easily and cut neatly. 
I can’t say that my sweet tooth didn’t think of spreading the bars with peanut butter and (heaven forbid) pipe some melted chocolate on top but I subdued that impulse and found them to taste, well, healthy.  They had a pleasant banana flavor, hint of sweetness from the raisins and a soft, chewy texture.  I got 12 4-inch x 1-inch bars and with my substitutions, I figured each to be about 70 calories.  A good, healthy alternative to curb a snack attack. If calories aren’t a concern, stirring in some mini chocolate chips and/or nuts would be a nice addition.
Banana Oat Bars
PRINT RECIPE
3 ripe bananas, mashed (I used 1 cup)
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (I used 1/2 cup since I didn’t have 3 bananas)
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk (I used 2% milk)
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
optional (I added 1 Tbs Splenda)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
lightly spray an 8-inch square dish
In mixing bowl, Stir together all of the ingredients until well combined.  Pour into prepared dish and spread evenly.  Bake about 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  Cut into bars.
Yield: 12 1-inch x 4-inch bars

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