Sunday, 1/31/21, We went to church, Bill had therapy, Went to Snowfest

 Bill in front of my favorite ice sculpture 

Me and Bill

Me in front of our favorite ice sculpture...so thankful for Frontline Heroes! 

Old French clarinet in the museum I thought the boys would like seeing

 Bill in front of a picture of Hattie Hubinger...a lady he knew.  She is waiting on a customer.  

 No warming tent this year because of Covid, but this place next to the CheeseHaus had the neat tables around gas fire pits that were very cool.  We didn't use one, but wanted a picture.

We went to church.  Our assigned seat was in the very front row, on the side we never sit on.

It sure felt different, but the worship music sounded amazing.  Pastor Jeff gave the message.

Bill took me home right after, and then he went to therapy.  I warmed up roast, carrots and potatoes.  He took a couple of granola bars to eat on the way to therapy so he wouldn't be too hungry.  We don't eat breakfast in the morning on Sundays.  I took a short nap because I was up during the night putting pellets in.  Didn't have many in the bucket, but thought it would be enough.  Wrong!!! I noticed the light wasn't shining from the fireplace through the door, so got up and the screen on the kernel burner said it was shutting down.  I went and opened a bag of pellets and refilled it and it started right back up.  Yay!  I sure miss Bill doing the kernel burner job!  I looked at the clock and it was 5:30.  Couldn't really get back to sleep after that.  Bill got home and warmed up the chili.  Then we went to Frankenmuth to check out the snow and ice sculptures and see if it was ok to walk around or too crowded.  It wasn't bad, and there weren't that many sculptures, so we walked around.  It was 30 degrees so was a nice day...not too cold and sculptures weren't melting.  We went in the museum which we only had one other couple in with us.  We stayed the distance required apart, but started talking to them.  They enjoyed listening to Bill tell his stories of Frankenmuth and of his family.  The husband, Zachary, was a History buff so he loved hearing more history about Frankenmuth.  Alexandria told us they had 2 year old twin girls.  We told them about our twins and how our one twin had twins.  I also told her how it gets easier after they get a little older and entertain themselves.  She was happy to hear that.  When we finished, we felt like friends.  Bill asked her if she was a Christian.  She said she didn't know what a Christian was, but they went to church on Sundays and her mom was a Catholic Christian.  We told her a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus and follows Him.  She said they pray because that's what they did when she was little.  She also said she has a tattoo that says Don't worry, pray.  I shared with her that she should start reading the New Testament because that's how you get to know Jesus and what he teaches us to do.  She then told us that her Landlord just gave her a Bible and gave the twins each a children's Bible.  I guess God wants her to be saved with all of this going on. This sure made our day.   I sure am praying for them both.  Such a nice couple.  We are remembering to pray for Jared's mom who has surgery tomorrow morning.  Trusting God to guide the surgeons and bring complete healing to her with no complications.  

Sat., 1/30/21, Vikki got her Covid vaccine, Made a roast, Kimmy, Jared and the boys and Vikki and Peyton came over and spent the day

   

 Vikki got her Covid Vaccine today

Bill and Jared on their devices

Eli on his device

Adam, Jacob and Peyton

Adam, Peyton, Jacob, Bill and Jared

Eli, Jacob and Peyton

 Eli and Papa Bill

 Eli, Vikki, Me and Bill

 Eli

Evan

Max

Jack

After we ate breakfast, had our coffee and did our morning reading, Kimmy called to see if we were going to be home.  I told her we had planned to go to Frankenmuth to Snowfest.  She said she was calling to see if we wanted some visitors.  I told her we would much rather have visitors than go to Snowfest.  I also told her I was going to put a roast in and they could eat with us.  She said not to make the roast, but I told her I was and then told her bye.  I put the roast in and got the potatoes and carrots peeled.  Vikki called me and asked if I was peeling potatoes.  I told her I was and invited her to come when Kimmy came too.  She got her Covid vaccine today.  Her arm was a little sore but not bad.  Pam and Dick got theirs today too.  They had Rich's showing today, but will have a memorial service in May when he is buried at Mt. Holly National Cemetery.  They couldn't cremate him because they are behind in cremations because of Covid.  Kimmy and family came and Vikki and Peyton came shortly after.  We had fun visiting, then Adam, Kimmy, Vikki, Peyton and I played 3-13, while Bill, Jared, Jacob and Eli relaxed in the family room by the fire.  Kimmy won our game!  Jared played the last two hands for me, so I could start getting things ready for dinner.  He did better than I was doing.  We all prayed and then ate together.  It was such a nice day being together.  Jared trained Adam to put my angels all over the place, just like Jared used to do way back when.  I couldn't believe my Adam did that.  I will have to retrain him.  Eli thought it was hilarious!!! Melissa sent me pictures of the boys eating McDonalds that they used a gift card from us for.  This was the first day they didn't have school work to do and just had free time.  They were all so happy and it was a perfect day for McDonalds.  I talked to Melissa for a while and then Bill and I watched a movie called Silver Wolf.  We tried to watch The Cloud because Melissa said it was a good one, but it kept restarting after a minute and a half.  Fun day with such a loving family! 

Fri.1/30/21, Bill went to therapy, we went to Kenzie's

                                                                     

 Mylee is so cute! I didn't take any pictures so got these from Kenzie

 I slept in.  Vikki called me and was really excited about a Maverick City Worship don’t her and the kids were worshipping to. I told her I would watch it when I got up.  I don’t sleep in very often. I made Bill his oatmeal and coffee before he went to therapy.  I had Google play the worship song Vikki told me about on tv.  It was amazing worship.  I loved joining in and played that song a couple of times.  After it, more amazing worship songs came on.  Needless to say I didn’t get much done this morning, but I sure did the best thing.  When Bill got home, we packed up some stuff and headed to Kenzie’s.  The living room looks nice grey instead of purple.  We looked at their beautiful flooring all down upstairs.  The walls looked so much better painted up there too.  They are sure working hard.  Mylee was cute and is sure growing.  Papa showed Travis how to work some tools he took him, and Kenzie and I scraped sprackling off a window sill.  Then we all went to Home Depot and picked up the rest of their flooring for downstairs and some other stuff they needed.  We were all hungry so we picked up pizzas too.  After we ate, Travis, Kenzie and Papa unloaded the truck.  I started painting in the living room where the corners and edge by the ceiling were still purple.  Kenzie came and helped paint after she was done and Travis took all the wall plugs off.  Bill told us what to do ha ha. 

We left after that and stopped at Menard’s to take a picture of carpet they had for stairs. Not much selection there.  We came home and had a bowl of fresh fruit and watched Jeopardy and Wheel of fortune.  We watched a good Christian movie with a great message too.  Talked with all the girls today and texted with Adam and Eli.  

Wed., 1/27/21, Used the snowblower for the driveways, Picked up face masks they were giving away for the new Covid variant,

 Nice to see the sun shining today

 It was 10 degrees out when I snowblower the driveways and shoveled....I stayed warm with the workout it gave me 

Stuff they gave me at Commission on Aging when I went through the drive through.  I went to pick up the face masks to keep if the variant of Covid gets bad.  Because I was over 65, they gave me a box and a bag with all this other stuff in it.  They gave us each a bag with 5 face masks per person.  I picked Vikki and family's face mask up too since she works during the time they give them out.  They are for everyone in our county until they run out.  Open Monday, Wed, Fri. from 11-1pm.  

Got up early as Bill had to go to the VA and I wanted him to start the snowblower for me before he left.  I didn't realize how cold it was outside (10 degrees) and windy.  Our snowblower has a cover over it to walk under so it wasn't too bad.  He left and I did the driveway and by our mailbox.  Then did out by the shed and that driveway.  Did some paths for Bill to get to the shed too.  The only thing that got cold a little was my left hand.  I came in and ate breakfast.  At 10:30 I went to pick up face masks for Vikki, her family and us.  They are supposed to be the good disposable ones that protect against the new variants.  They said they are really good to wear under your regular masks if you don't have breathing problems.  They gave us all small hand sanitizers too.  Also gave me all the extra goodies.  Sometimes it pays to be older than 49.  I went to Jack's, Aldi's and Meijer's to get some stuff I need to make dinner for a family from our church tomorrow night.  None of the stores were busy because the roads were still kind of bad out there.  Found out a good friend of ours passed away Monday.  He was only 58.  We were so sad to hear this and are praying for his family.  I texted with Adam, Eli and Kimmy.  Talked on the phone with Melissa and face timed with Kenzie and Vikki.  Kenzie and Travis got the flooring all put down upstairs now.  It looks beautiful.  Lots of hard work done!  Great job! We watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.  I looked on Kimmy and Jared's Etsy and their new pottery is absolutely beautiful.  I was so excited looking at it and saw lots of stuff I loved!  Great job Kimmy and Jared!

 

Tues. 1/26/21, Did schoolwork with the kids, Took the garbage out, cleaned the kernel burner, shoveled

 Isaac won again at 3-13.  I am going to have to take lessons from him.

 Peyton and Isaac eating their breakfast on this beautiful snowy morning

Lots of birds were eating their breakfast too!  I need to get more birdseed, they are eating it fast

 So beautiful with all the new white snow.  It can go anytime though!

It was windy besides being very snowy

Isaac was up at around 7:30.  I got up and took the garbage out since Bill can't do that job right now.  Peyton got up when I got back in the house.  We had breakfast and then started spelling.  Isaac didn't miss any words.  Peyton missed a few, but learned them quickly and actually knew all but when when I asked her to spell them when I saw they were wrong.  We read our books after that, then played 3-13.  Isaac won by a lot again.  Papa came when we had two rounds left and tried to help him, but I told him Isaac sure didn't need any help...he was doing just fine.  Peyton and I needed the help.  We had fun and Isaac had to pick up the game because he was the winner.  They wanted Mac and Cheese, so I made that for lunch for them.  Vikki came and picked them up.  It wasn't snowing much when she got out so no white outs.  They left right away so they could do their online schooling at home.  I cleaned the kernel burner out for it's monthly cleaning.  We shut it off two nights ago so there wouldn't be any hot ashes to clean out.  Bill said he would take care of the driveway with the tractor.  When he went out to start it, it wouldn't start.  I was shoveling while dinner was cooking.  It was getting dark by that time, so it will have to wait til tomorrow now and I will use the snowblower.  We are going to watch a movie tonight.

Monday, 1/25/21, filled nail holes and touched up paint, got a nice card from Ahmeh, Peyton and Isaac spent the night

 

 Got a sweet card from my great niece in Colorado.  She decorated the envelope so cute!  The front was cute too, but didn't want to show addresses.

After our morning routine, Bill had a doctor appt.  I filled nail holes in the walls and then touched up the spots with paint.  Texted with Adam.  I always love my good morning text.  

I talked to Melissa a couple of times, talked to Kimmy and talked to Vikki.  Bill said we were supposed to get a few inches of snow, so I let Vikki know so she could bring the kids tonight instead of in the morning when  the roads are bad.  Bill had an Elder's meeting and I did the CMA Zoom Leadership meeting and took notes for him.  Peyton and Isaac got here right before my meeting started and were so good all the while I was having it.  We watched Counting On after I was done and had grapes as a snack.  We read the Bible, prayed and I tucked them in all snug in their beds.  Bill got home and we went over our meeting stuff with each other.

Sunday, 1/24/21, Bill had therapy, I watched church online, went to Kenzie's

 

 Travis with his box he has collected nails and lots of other stuff in.   Bill looking for just the right nail.  He set the nail he had down and couldn't find it.  It looks like they are warming themselves by the fire.  They found that in the shed.  It looks beautiful, but must need a new element because no heat comes from it.

Me and President Trump...Kenzie and Travis had this cardboard figure of him

 Kenzie kept talking when I took the picture of her vanity for upstairs.  

I made breakfast, we read our Bibles and spent time praying for our church service.  Bill had to go to therapy at 10:30.  He tried to change it so we could go to church, but the VA wouldn't let him.  I watched our amazing church service while he went.  I made eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.  Kenzie called and we ended up going there and taking a saw for them to use while putting their floor down.  Bill helped Travis cut some of it and showed him how to use the saw.  They had a lot of the upstairs flooring down already.  Kenzie made noodle casserole for us to eat with them.  It was yummy.  Kenzie and I scraped up the linoleum that was by the closet near the front door.  We organized some stuff in the living room.  Swept the little room by the top of the stairs and pulled up some metal that was nailed to the floor.

We gave Katniss and Mylee lots of attention too.  Kenzie set up at cat tower and Katniss loves it and is so happy just laying on it.  We had fun while we were there.  On our way home, we stopped at Home Depot in Shields to see if they had a vanity like Kenzie and Travis got in their town for $50.  They had the same kind, but there it was over $200.  Weird that they wouldn't be on sale at each store. Bill asked though and they told him no.  We stopped at Culver's and Bill got a burger and I got an olive burger.  Then we came home and had a piece of blueberry pie with ice cream.  We watched a movie.

Sat.1/23/21, Bill did funeral, I sanded and painted

 It seemed so nice to have a sunshine this morning.   A big woodpecker was eating on the small bird feeder with lots of other birds

I sanded and painted the wood trim where Kimmy used the wood filler to fix it!  Looks great now.  That girl can do just about anything and do it well!

 Travis and his friend putting the subfloor down...Kenzie sent these pictures to me
                                                                                  

This is the flooring they are putting down

 Vikki shaved Lenny.  He's little Lenny now!

It was super cold and windy again today, but at least the sun was out and the temperature was a few degrees warmer.  Bill got ready to go do a funeral for a lady his sister, Debbie,  was really close to.  I stayed home and let him represent both of us.  There weren't many there because of Covid.  I sanded and painted the floor board Kimmy fixed for us yesterday. It looks great now.  Thank you Kimmy.  I filled holes in the front door trim with wood filler, then filled nail holes in the walls with sparkling.  Will paint them when they are dry.  Bill called me to meet him to get gas and save 70 cents a gallon.  He brought home bread, apple raisin bread and blueberry pie from Zhenders.  Yum!  We did some snacking after dinner.  I texted with Adam. Talked to Melissa and Vikki.  We watched Wheel of Fortune and a movie that was good, but a little tense for me.  It had a great ending though with a girl coming to faith in Jesus.  

Friday, 1/22/21, Kimmy and family came over, Vikki and twins came over, Nice gifts arrived from Lela

 Bill and Jacob charging Kimmy's van

 Kimmy, Eli, Bill and Adam...Vikki stopped to see what was going on when she went by while coming to our house.  She took Eli to our house with her.

Me and Bill in our wonderful slippers from Lela (We love them).  Adam must take after his Papa Bill wearing shorts in the winter ha ha!

 Bill relaxing with his slippers on

 Beautiful face masks and neat bird house hole fixer from Lela

Jacob

 Eli and Peyton

 Isaac and Adam

Jared

 Isaac, Jacob and Peyton

 Jacob and Jared turning my treadmill back the way it was for me.  It jerked when facing the other direction...maybe it wasn't level.  We aren't sure why it did that after they moved it Christmas Eve.  Sure appreciate them moving it!

 Adam texted me and said they didn't have school today.  I asked him if they were coming over and told him I hoped so.  Charlie picked Bill up to go for a ride and drink coffee.  Kimmy called me and said they were coming over, but she had to finish some yarn bowls first.  Adam texted me to let me know when they were on their way.  I got a call from Kimmy that their van quit just a little ways down our road.  Adam ran here and was really cold by the time he got her because he only had a sweatshirt and shorts on.  It was 9 degrees with the wind chill factor.  Burr!  Jacob came through the front door a few minutes later.  I drove my car down there so they could sit in a warm vehicle.  Eli was super happy to get in. Kimmy got in and I made her wear my hat and mittens she made for me because I know they are the warmest.  Bill, Adam, and Jacob came and got the jumper cables hooked up.  They tried a few times, but the van would only move a little bit and then died again.  Finally he charged it longer (Adam, Eli and I were in my car praying that it would make to our house) and the last time it did.  We were so happy.  They all warmed up in the house and Jared got there shortly after.  He and Bill went to the Auto Parts store and got an alternator.  Jared put it in and the van worked.  Yay!  We hung out and visited and ate snacks.  Kimmy fixed a floor board in our bedroom that mice had chewed a hole and and lots of cold air was coming through.  I was going to buy a new piece of wood, but talented Kimmy fixed it like it was new.  Thank you so much Kimmy!  I will sand and paint it tomorrow.  Kimmy brought us some nice gifts from Jared's mom.  She made Bill and I each a beautiful pair of slippers that are decorated so cute.  She also made us more of the best face masks (cute too). Vikki took a few and we have friends we know who will love having some.  She also gave us a thing we can screw over the hole of our birdhouse Kimmy's boys made to make the hole the right size.  A woodpecker made the hole so big a squirrel could practically move in.  Thank you so much Lela for your kindness and generosity and for being such blessing to us always.  Thankful our grandson's have such wonderful Indiana grandparents.  After everyone left, I made venison in my smart pot.  I put carrots and onions in too and it all came out so tender and delicious.  Only took 40 minutes and one push of a button.  We watched a movie called, Saved by Grace which was really good.