Tuesday, 11/25/25, made chili, Bill took trash out, pre surgery day...did what’s on my list from hospital, Vikki came over, Kimmy, Jared and Eli came over,

Brielle at Meijer in her new rain coat...rainy day today

Eli made me so happy....he loved my chili and kept saying how good it was and even had a second bowl!

Me and Eli the night before my surgery.  

Kimmy and me

Bill and I took all of the bedding off our bed and I washed all of it as instructed on my hospital list for the night before surgery.  Bill read his Bible.  I made chili while checking the laundry, putting it in the dryer, then folding it when done.  It took a long time because of bulky blankets being done one at a time.  I went out and filled all of the bird feeders to the top.  It started raining just as I finished.  Bill set up the outside nativity while I fed the birds.  He got done right as it started raining.  We came in and I read my Bible.  It is so clear that God says obey His Word if we want a blessed life with Him and if we go our own way and don’t obey, there will be consequences.  This happened so many time with Israel and Judah and many people were destroyed because of their sin.  Scripture also shows time and time again, if the people called out to God and repented, God forgave and blessed them.  What a merciful God.  Scary because people today are doing what they want and don’t read the Word to see what God wants.  Yikes!  I sure am thinking and repenting as I read every day.  I want God and His mercy always!

Bill and I had a bowl of chili for lunch.  I finished it just in time.  I put some in a container in the refrigerator to have, then packed up six containers for the freezer.  I cleared off my little makeup table upstairs and made a spot for it in our room.  Kimmy called me and I talked to her and Jared about the videos I watched on my hip surgery until Jared said I was making his hip hurt lol.  Kimmy asked if I was going to be home in the evening so they could come visit me.  So happy.  

I got some videos out and stacked them on the tv cabinet to watch while I am having to rest. Got my plants watered too.  Had lots of people calling me and texting me to let me know they are praying for my surgery tomorrow.  I am so blessed.  I haven’t been nervous at all and I know that has to be the Lord’s peace.  

Vikki came over and bought the leaf blower and chargers back.  Poor girl was sore from doing her leaves.  She brought Emma with her.  She came up to me right away, but after Kimmy, Jared and Eli got here, she was not sure about any of the guys.  She stayed right by Vikki.  She did finally warm up to Eli and Jared.  Bill and Jared went out to the camper and put the slide out out a little, then Bill lifted up our bed and Jared got two chair cushions we got in Arkansas out and brought them him the house.  My car is a little low, so they will help me stay in the right hip position on the way home from the hospital.  After that Jared, Bill and Eli brought the makeup table down, the mirrors I took off and the stool.  That was so appreciated because I was thinking before I knew they were coming about how I was going to manage helping Bill.  Bill had went to town and picked up eggs and bread today.  He decided to boil the eggs.  I had told him when the water starts boiling, he needed to put the eggs in and turn the burner down so it boils, but not hard.  We visited with everyone, and then I went out to the kitchen and saw the eggs were on high and were boiling away alright.  I moved them off the burner and turned the burner off.  Bill forgot to set a timer and forgot to turn the burner down.  He had gotten side tracked by visiting with the kids.   One time I forgot eggs, and they boiled dry, then popped all over hitting the ceiling.  It was a lesson I will never forget, so I am very careful with eggs.  Bill made yummy egg salad and we all ate sandwiches or chili.  I had to talk Kimmy, Jared and Vikki into it.  Didn’t have to talk Eli into it thought.  He made the first move, saying if no one else is going to I am.  Love that kid!  We all ate after that.  It was so fun having everyone here and I sure didn’t think about my surgery much.  Did decide I had better get my Day Before Surgery list out and look at it again.  Drank 40 oz of Glacier Cherry Gatorade from 5 pm til midnight.  Then went to bed.

I’m praying for Kimmy, Jared and the boy’s safe trip to Indiana tomorrow and a very blessed time with Jared’s parents and family.

 

 

Monday, 11/24/25, Bill had an eye dr. appt., I went to Bath and Body Works, then to Meijer, got more things around and ready for my surgery day, Melissa and Hailey came over

 

Made a peanut butter, almond milk, banana, small scoop of ice cream, coffee smoothie after I FaceTimed with. Kenzie and Rehvyn

I also air fried two eggs after FaceTiming her.  Everything was so good!

We got ready and then read our Bibles and did our other reading.  I played three awesome worship songs to worship too.  Bill had to go to the VA for an eye appt.  I finished my Bible reading and then Kenzie and Rehvyn FaceTimed with me.  They are always fun to see and talk to.  Kenzie was making a healthy smoothie and told me how to make it.  She also told me I could make great eggs in the air fryer at 300 degrees for 7 minutes.  They turned out really good.  I made toast to go with them.  We talked for 48 minutes.  Rehvyn is always so fun and cute.  Kenzie’s always sweet and shares great ideas.  She told me about her fun time yesterday shopping with friends Macy and Layla after having lunch together.  She also told me that Layla is a Christian and shared about Jesus and the Bible on their drive to take Macy to the airport.  She was very excited and happy since being born again.  She wanted to share that joy with Kenzie.  It was nice hearing Kenzie talk about it.  I shared a scripture I had just read that made me think of Kenzie.  It was in Jeremiah in my reading for the day.  It is the Scripture I have loved you with and everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness, I have drawn you to myself.  

I went to Bath and Body Works after I got ready.  Then I went to Meijer after that.  I ran into Catherine from church there and we talked for a while.  I got a ham for Christmas, some stuffing crumbs, creamer, Newman’s coffee, blueberries and an hot/cold pack for after my surgery.   I came home and then after putting the stuff away, relaxed in the recliner.  Bill and I too an hour nap, then I got the leftovers out and we ate.  He had an Elder’s meeting after that.  

Melissa and Hailey called and came to visit while Jack was at fencing.  We had a nice time.  I remembered to ask them if they ever made it back to Bath and Body Works to get the $11 soap that was on sale for 2.95.  They didn’t.  I had bought extra today in case they hadn’t got some, so I had Hailey go upstairs and get the bags and let them pick out 3 each that they liked.  It was fun watching them go through them.  I sure was happy I remembered to tell them I got them.  We visited a little longer and then they had to leave.  

I took my disinfecting shower and then did all the laundry after.  I am keeping busy with showering and putting really clean clothes on.  Trying to keep the laundry caught up so Bill can just keep up after my surgery.  I worked on catching up with my blog, then talked to bill about the Elder’s meeting.   

I slept really good and stayed in bed last night too.  So nice not having to movie to the recliner.  I brought my favorite pillow in from the camper and it sure is helping.  So thankful. I can hardly believe, I have tomorrow and then the next day is my surgery.  I have gotten so many calls and texts from family and friends saying they are praying for me.  God sure is awesome!  

I watched some videos on my surgery tonight.  I am thankful my surgeon is doing my surgery the way he is, without cutting the muscle and robotically to get the measurements and length precise.  I am praying for God to give him wisdom and the skill for my surgery.

Sunday, 11/23/25, Went to church, taught SS Went to second service, Kimmy, Jared, Adam, Eli, Vikki, Rehvyn,Rody, Peyton, Isaac all came over for leftovers, watched Lions game, went to Evan’s orchestra concert, Kimmy, Jared, & Eli got Nativity pieces out,

CMA group picture they took in Arkansas when we were there for the 50th year Celebration in October.  We are on the left side, where you see the van with the open door.  We are about in the middle between the back and front of it.

We went to Evan’s Orchestra Concert today!  He played percussion and went between about 5 instruments.  We didn’t get a picture of him playing the cymbols but Melissa got these of the other instruments.  He did an amazing job!

Me, Evan and Papa

Melissa, Evan and Bruce

We got ready for church, then headed to the first service.  I went back to my Sunday School room and made sure everything I needed was out and ready. It was!  Cassie always does a great job!  I went back in the service and talked to some people until Bill came in after praying with pastor and it was time to start the service.  Pastor Dan Dickenson gave the message.  Worship was awesome and Debbie and Bill said the message on being Thankful was so good!  I went into Sunday School and taught when we were dismissed.  Marie was my helper and was a great one and Janet was shadowing today.  She was a great help too.  What a great class and an amazing lesson about Elijah hearing God’s still small voice.  I went to prayer between service after parent’s picked up their kids.  Debbie, Bev and Dave, Frances and I were all back praying.  They prayed again for my upcoming surgery and for Debbie’s upcoming knee surgery.  We went into the second service after that.  I was happy to hear Pastor Dickenson preach.  It was a great message!  Bill and I prayed for people afterwards.  I prayed for my neighbor Kim and Pastor had someone he wanted Bill to pray for.  We talked with friends, then left as Kimmy, Jared, Adam and Eli, Vikki, Peyton, and Rehvyn  were at our house for leftovers.  Jared got all the food out for us and put it on the cupboard.  Rody and Isaac got there.  We all made plates up and heated them in the microwave.  Once again, everything was delicious. We were all full!  We started watching the Lion’s game.  We were very happy when they went in the lead.  Adam had to leave, and Bill and I had to go to Evan’s concert which was at 3.  We met Melissa, Bruce and Hailey there.  The concert was so good and Evan did a great job.  Lydia played the clarinet and did a great job.  The high school symphonic band played a group of movie songs from Beauty and the Beast, Disney, Lion King etc. that was amazing!  

Kimmy called me and said they were going to carry the outside nativity outside for us. A tree guy came to our house at 4 and we were still at the concert.  Jared went outside and talked to him for Bill.  You can always count on Jared.  We had cake and lemonade after the concert.  We got to meet Evan’s friend Lydia and her family. We enjoyed talking to them.  Bill asked Melissa if she wanted a Mocha from Tim Horton’s on our way to her house and she did.  We went there and the line moved pretty slow, but Melissa was happy when she got her Mocha.  I didn’t get anything, because I am trying to drink more water before my surgery to stay hydrated.  

Kimmy called and said they were bringing the outside nativity pieces downstairs and putting them outside for us.  They always go above and beyond. All of the pieces were outside by the stable when we got home, and Kimmy, Jared and Eli were gone.  Jacob and Adam had left early since they drive themselves.   I ate a piece of turkey and some cottage cheese when we got home.  Eating protein too!!!    Then I took my disinfecting shower.  I relaxed after that and worked on my blog. Bill’s sister, Debbie called me and talked to me to let me know she would be praying for my surgery to go well and told me to tell Bill if he needs any help when I get home to call her.  She was so sweet.  Her daughter Amanda and her husband moved into their new home today.  Debbie and Tom had gone down to help them.   

I slept really good last night, and didn’t have to move to a recliner.  I sure hope that happens again tonight. 

 

Sat. 11/22/25, Celebrated our family Thanksgiving, Fun Day, So much to be thankful to the Lord for,

My Cactus has buds all over it.  Yay!  I love this time of year when it blooms.

Rehvyn took the baby and sat it on the steps and then he sat next to it

Grammy Vikki showing Rehvyn outside

Vikki, Adam and Jacob on their phones...I surprised them and took this

Me with the gravy spoon and Bill ready to carve the turkey

Eli, Jack and Evan getting dessert

                                                  

Rehvyn,Vikki, Hailey, Evan, and Rody

Jacob napping..after all that food we all felt like napping lol.

Rehvyn, Vikki and Papa.  Rehvyn loved all of the food, even the cranberries

Bill, Bruce, Max, Kimmy and Jared and DJ in the background

Jared and DJ at the food table

Max, Bruce, Melissa, me, Bill, DJ and Stacie

Jacob and Rehvyn

Rehvyn feeding my Tiny Tear Doll.  I had one just like this when I was little.

Rehvyn was hiding in the laundry bin...He had some help from Uncle Jared.  He sure liked surprising me

Evan, Rehvyn and Eli

Evan with Rehvyn

Papa gave Jack the Bible he read and highlighted.  Bill read it in a year and then stuck some money in pages and wrote in the front of the Bible.  Jack was really excited to get it and said he is going to switch to reading that Bible right away.  It was so touching!

Got up at 6:15 a.m. and got the cheesy potatoes baked.  Moved them to the Roaster Oven to keep warm until dinner.  I had bought a sliced ham, but got it all ready and in the crockpot insert last night, so all I would have to do is put it in the crockpot and turn it on.  Then I made the dressing and stuffed some in the turkey and put the rest in a crockpot to cook on low until dinner.  Then I put the turkey in and got some other things done ahead of time.  Vikki, Peyton and Rehvyn got here at around 10:30.  She had made the mashed potatoes and and had them in two big foil containers.  I put them in the roaster oven with the cheesy potato container.  They all stacked in there great.  She also brought jello with strawberries.  Vikki made the punch for me.  Kimmy, Jared and the boys all got here between 10:30 and 11.  Kimmy made two batches of rolls and an apple pie.  Melissa and family got here and brought green bean casserole that Bruce made, no bake cookies,  Hailey brought warm pumpkin bread.  Stacie, DJ and Kody got here too.  Stacie made a huge container of deviled eggs.  Abi had a previous commitment so couldn’t come.  We missed her.  Everyone helped with whatever was needed....setting up tables, putting chairs around, getting chairs from the basement, filling the candy dish, putting tablecloths on the tables, putting silverware and napkins at the 3 tables.  We were able to visit before the food was finished cooking.  Of course Rehvyn was very entertaining to us all.  He is so cute and funny and wants us all to watch him.  He was a very good. boy here.  We all sure do love him.  He gave us the best and biggest hugs and even threw some kisses in there when hugging sometimes.  We sure needed this additional little blessing in our family.  Kenzie had to go to a festival, so she and Travis couldn’t come.  We sure did miss them.  When the turkey was done, Bill got it done, I got the stuffing out of it and then I made the gravy. Kimmy steadily kept up with washing the big dishes that couldn’t go in the dishwasher.  All of the girls, and Jared and Bruce helped set everything on the table.  There was sure lots of food and everything tasted delicious.   We all waited for a while to have dessert.  We had apple pie, banana cream pie, chocolate banana pie, no bake cookies, pumpkin bread, and jello.  Stacie packed up a plate of food for Kody because he wasn’t hungry when he was here.  She also packed up a big plate of food and desserts for Sue for me.  Kimmy, Jared and Melissa went and dropped it off on her porch.  She had kind of a scratchy throat the day before so didn’t want to take any chance of getting anyone sick, so just stayed home.  She called me crying when she got the plate of food because she was so thankful.  We really missed having her here.  Bill, Jared, Adam and Jack played Euchre.  Bruce got back here and he helped Jack a little because Jack hasn’t played much.  They had a fun time.  The rest of us had a fun time hanging out and watching that silly Rehvyn.  

Friday, 11/21/25, Bill and I went to my Pt and OT appts. Vikki and Kimmy came over, Travis dropped Rehvyn off, Melissa and Hailey came over, Hailey brought delicous cookies, Bill ran took care of the leaves, I made rolls, pies, cheesy potatoes, and got the ham ready in the crock pot.

Rehvyn was so cute and fun today

Rehvyn is sure a happy fun kiddo!

Peyton having fun with Rehvyn

Emmy, the beautiful dog Vikki is watching relaxing by them

Emmy, Rehvyn and Lucy at Vikki's

I got up early and added water and yeast to the bread dough and started it.  Bill got up a little later.  We both got ready and went to Covenant M. for my PT appt first at 7:45, then my OT appt at 8:45.  We had to be there at 7 so we were early birds this morning.  It all went well and because my surgeon doesn’t cut the muscle, I won’t have to worry about 90 degrees when my pain level allows that I can bend and put my shoe on etc.  I know I will be thankful for that.  

We came home and Kimmy and Vikki were at our house.  I got the bread dough out of the bread makers and made rolls and baked them.  I was going to make 2 more batches, but Kimmy told me she already made one batch and has another one set to go that Jared just has to push the button for.  Such sweet helpers.  Kimmy is making an apple pie too.  Vikki is making the mashed potatoes.  I sure appreciate the help this year when it isn’t fun to move.  

Kenzie FaceTimed us and showed us Rehvyn.  He was a cute as ever!  Travis ended up bringing him over and he’s spending the night at his Grammy Vikki’s.  He loved the Christmas Globe and loved pushing the button for the music to start and stop.  He also loved the Fisher Price Nativity set.  His old stand by shopping cart, trucks and blocks still got used too.  He also loved the new stroller Vikki got for $5.  He pushed the baby in it right away.

Of course Kimmy and Vikki had a project to work on.  They put a camera up in the basement for me to try.  Vikki thought it wasn’t working because it wouldn’t connect, so we took it down and she tried it in a different spot.  Kimmy and I were telling her we should go try it upstairs, so she finally did that.  Then she realized she wasn’t pushing a button on the back of the camera she needed to push.  Problem solved.  They went back down and hung it up again in the original spot.

Kimmyand I had sub sandwiches and Vikki had spaghetti O’s and meatballs.  She wanted one of the rolls, but Kimmy kept me strong to make her wait til tomorrow like the rest of us.  Melissa called and she and Hailey came over.  At first, Hailey didn’t want to drive and waste her gas, when she thought Melissa would drive.  Then Melissa’s gas light was on so she did’t want to drive.  Hailey found out Rehvyn was here, and all of a sudden she wanted to drive here.  She’s so cute.  She brought delicious cookies that she made.  We all loved them!  She had turkey and cheese when she got here.  We had a very nice day!  The girls had to leave before it was going to get dark because they didn’t want to drive in the dark.  I made a chocolate banana pie and a banana cream pie.  I also made up the cheesy potatoes so they are ready to bake in the morning.  I had a sliced ham, but cut it up into slices better and got it in the crockpot insert so I can start it right in the morning.  I washed the bread machine inserts so I can get them put away.  Bill brought up the turkey and the Roaster oven.  We made the dining room table big.  I did a load of laundry because everytime I use this special body disinfectant in the shower, I need clean towels, washcloths, clothes, pjs.  I am keeping the laundry up so when’s it’s closer to surgery day, I have lots of clean things ready.  No knitting today.  It’s already 11:39 pm and I am ready to get to bed.  It was a very fun day.  

Oh, Vikki picked me up a couple of foaming hand soaps from Bath and Body Works for $2.99 each.  Such a great deal.  I may go back and get some more.  The sale is good until Wednesday.

Thurs., 11/20/25, Started the wash for surgery, Bill took me to my pre op appt. with my surgeon, went to Bringer In Meijer’s, made two pie crusts, got dough ingredients ready to s tart in the morning, cooked squash, red my hip book

Cute comfy slippers on sale at Kohls this week.  Marie had some that lasted her 4 years.  I found some on line for her, but this is a great price.  I think I am going to add them to my Christmas list

Bill got me some slip on Sketcher tennis shoes today.  We looked at Kohls because he had $20 in Kohls Cash.  They didn’t have my size and didn’t really have the exact kind I wanted.  they were $65.  We went to Meijer so I could look there and they had some, but the box said $90.  I only had a $10 off coupon there.  Bill still wanted me to get them.  We got to the check out and they rang up for $59.99, plus we took the $10 coupon off, so they ended up costing 50.  We were both so happy.  They are super comfy and will be great to wear after my surgery. 

Peyton and Isaac made the Thanksgiving Flier at church

I took my shower with the special wash disinfectant for my upcoming surgery.  I got ready and then read some of my Bible reading.  We had to leave to go to my pre op appointment with my surgeon at 9.  Bill went in with me to be another set of ears listening.  It was a good appointment with Dr. Bindon explaining everything and going over risks, etc.  He is really nice and seems really smart the way he explained everything and showed us exactly what he was talking about.  I am looking forward to this surgery so I can do things again and do them pain free.  

After that, we stopped at Bringer Inn so I could get a yummy Breakfast sandwich.  It was so good.  Bill got eggs, bacon and toast.  We went to Jacks after that and I got some Wild Bird food, meat and some fruit.  I’m going to try to get some chili made and in the freezer before I go in for my surgery.  I also got a roast because that will be easy for Bill to throw in the crockpot.  After that, we went to Kohl’s and Meijer.

When we got home, we finished reading our Bibles.  I saw where the unresponsive lady in the accident yesterday on the bridge died.  A truck lost control and hit her, then the car behind her couldn’t stop and hit her hard.  So awful.  Praying for her family.  

I did some knitting. Then we relaxed for a peaceful hour.  I made pie crusts for two pies for Thanksgiving, a chocolate banana and a banana cream.  I also cooked a big squash in the microwave, then scooped out the seeds and took off the skin.  Mixed a little brown sugar and butter in and blended it.  I put it in the freezer til I cook it on Sat.  I made sirloin burgers, fried potatoes, peas and also had some applesauce left that we ate for dinner.  It was so good!  

I read my hip book from class in the evening.  It covers everything and is so nice to have.  I will be glad to have therapy tomorrow to learn how to do everything I need to do after the surgery.

I did some more knitting and then I went to bed.  Have to get up early for that early appt. in the morning at 7:30.  

 

Wed., 11/19/25, Morning dentist appt., slippery roads after last night’s wet sleet and snow, filled all of the bird feeders, Bill picked Max up, Bruce had interview, knitted dishcloth

 

So relaxing sitting under my electric blanket and enjoying the Christmas tree at night.  Nice having Bill right next to me.  So blessed!

I went to my 9 a.m. dentist appt.  Passed two snow trucks right next to each other dropping salt in the turn lane of Midland Rd. both in different lanes with arrows pointing to move to the right lane.  It looked pretty icy.  I took it slow and steady.  When I got to the intersection where the Bridge was, there was an accident on the bridge, two firetrucks, and lots of police cars. I thought I might be late for my appt. but I got through the light and made it on time.

Tried sleeping in the recliner in the family room.  It was comfy.  I didn’t fall asleep, but I only had a half hour before I had to get up so not enough time to tell. I got ready and then left early for my dentist appt. because it was snowing so hard when I got home last night I thought there might be slippery roads.  I checked and no schools were closed though.  Still didn’t want to take a chance on being late.  I was glad I left early as our Road was a little slick and so were the main roads.  A lady that arrived at the dentist after me said one person was unresponsive in the accident on the bridge. My dentist appointment went well.  He told me I should have called on the weekend if I had pain.  He is always so kind.  I am still thankful he squeezed Jacob in when the wire to his braces was hurting him bad.  Even though he wasn’t his patient, he cared and wanted to help him.  They X-rayed my tooth just to be sure even though I told them it was the gum that was swollen and hurt.  Everything was fine today and the tissue looked good he said.  He stressed that if it bothered me again before surgery to be sure to call.  

On my way home, the wrecker was just loading the car that was wrecked on the bridge.  I don’t know if it was just one car or more.  I sure pray the person was ok.  I rested my leg and elevated it while I read my Bible, and did my prayer books.  Then I went over all of my upcoming appointments and what was needed for each.  Plus going over my lists of what I need to get done tomorrow ahead of our Thanksgiving celebration.  I did some knitting too.

Bill went to pick up Max and spend time with him.  Bruce had a job interview today.  Did a lot of praying with Melissa on the phone about it and God’s favor for Bruce.  He is an amazing worker and very intelligent.  We of course, want God’s will for him which is always best.

I went downstairs and took care of the fish and brought some things up that I need for Thanksgiving diner.  I looked outside and the snow/ice mix on the deck had melted, so I went out and filled all of the bird feeders.  I need to pick up more bird seed from Jack’s.  I want to make sure all of the feeders are filled completely before my surgery.  I ate the rest of my salad from yesterday for lunch.  

I got online and listened to some of the songs on Toby Mac’s new Album in honor of his son, Truitt who passed away.  Such good worship about how God is always there and gets you through hard times.  There was also a song of lament he wrote about being sorry, which leads to repentance.  It was very moving.  I put on New Life’s worship from last Sunday which was awesome, so worshipped more.  

I made pancakes and bacon for dinner.  I talked to Sue for a while.  She was having a hard day because it Charlie’s Birthday was today and she’s really missing him.  I talked to Marie after that for an hour and 19 minutes.  We laughed when I checked how long we had been talking.  We had to catch up lol.

Peyton sent me the picture below today.  She had all of her work done at school and wanted to show me what she was doing.  I love that she loves God so much!  I’m glad she’s mine.
  

Did more knitting before going to bed.  It was a pretty relaxing day.  I am glad to have everything organized now that my surgery is getting closer.