Wed., 10/8/25, Went to Iron Mt. Pavilion to meet with volunteers, John gave devotion, we helped take inventory, then at 1 went back and packed up things for each cabin and Tent, and John and his helper delivered the stuff, We went and unpacked everything and put it in ,

Nice morning...65 when we walked to the Pavilion to go to the volunteer meeting

Bill sure did a great job parking the camper and lining it up with the cement slab with my guidance.

These cots for the international CMA members that are coming from all over the world were super nice, but very hard to get to stay flat.  Bill figured it out, so it became his job.  He sat on one side, then the other side and that usually did it.  Sometimes it took one more try.

Our ride going down the mountain into Mean

We both had a delicous hamburger and split some fries.  Afterwards Bill had a hot fudge sundae and I had a banana split.  It’s tradition here!

Bill...the plants in the background are beautiful.  I love the yellow hibiscus!

Our new neighbors next to us that got here today

Back at our camper, sitting under the awning

We got up early so we could be down to the volunteer meeting by 8.  We walked there so we were about 3 minutes late.  We stood outside for a while because the leader, John, wasn’t there yet.  We met the other volunteers and talked with them while we waited.  About 15 minutes passed, and a lady came and let us in.  We sat at some picnic tables and got to know one another better.   John got there and gave a devotion, then explained the jobs that needed to be done.  One was moving rocks and raking which they needed 2 guys for, then another was moving tables in the leadership training area while the guy washed the ceiling fans above, and the last one was opening boxes and taking inventory of all the things that were dropped off for the International CMA members to use in cabins or tents.  That’s what we did and about 8 others joined us.  My job was taking the towels out of the box and counting them.  It was kind of weird because there were 41 which is an unusual number to have.  When Connie and I stacked them, that’s what the number was though.  She counted pillows.  There were 38 of those.  Then we both counted pillow cases.  The guys counted cots, sleeping bags, mattresses for the cots, USB charger/plugs, extension cords, and small lanterns There also was 1 heater.  We let John know the numbers when he came back.  He told us we could come back at 1 if we wanted to and put them into piles that were needed for each tent and each cabin.  Bill stayed and helped move tables for the fan cleaner guy.  I walked back to the camper.  It was mostly uphill all the way.  That was good for me.  I relaxed when I got back and in about a half hour Bill came back and we both read our Bibles, then we both relaxed.  At 12:50, we got on the motorcycle and rode down to the pavilion.  John and another worker came, and they would tell us how many of each item we needed for Tent 1 and 2.  They took that load, and put them in the tents, then we would get the next Tent number of items ready for however many tents he told us.  It was a good system and everyone did great helping.  After we were done with that, John asked us if we wanted to go set the tents and cabins up today or tomorrow morning.  We all picked today.  

Bill and I went down by the youth center and set up two cabins down there with everything that had been put in there.  Then we went to see how Connie and her husband were doing.  We helped them in the one they were working in.  Bill told them he knew how to get the cots set up flat, so he did the two in the cabin they were in.  Then we went in the other two cabins they had done and got those two flat.  He had me help sit on one side while he did the other side   I guess he figured I was heavy enough to weigh it down too.

We got on the bike and rode up to where the big 2 room tents were.  I should have taken pictures, but I didn’t.  Bill and I were working together in the tent, and realized we were missing a sleeping bag.  We looked around but didn’t find it.  He went out of the tent and I was closing the windows like John had said too.  I was reaching and discovered the one wall was just snapped in and there was another room for a cot and the sleeping bag was in there.  I had Bill come back and he helped me carry the cot in the other room.  These cots were big and had the mattress, the sleeping bag, their towel, the cord and lantern on it.  Bill was surprised when I told him it had another room.  I guess we are really old school.  

We went to the next tent and started setting everything up in it.  Bill was. hot and thirsty, so went to the camper to get water.  I hurried to see if I could get everything else done before he got back.  I did!  Melissa called me and I talked to her while I was finishing.  Kept talking on the ride back to the camper and then in the camper.  Bruce has to get his vehicle fixed, so they wondered if they could use my car.  I told Melissa of course and told her where the key was.  We talked some more.  After that, Vikki called and I talked to her for a while.  She told me about her fun day hanging out with Caroline’s mom so Isaac and Caroline could hang out at the mall for a while.  They are friends from BayShore.  Peyton went along too. 

We left for Cruisers after I hung up from Vikki.  We rode the trike.  The temperature was 77 when we left, but no sunshine.  Bill and I were both cool when we got to Cruisers, so we put our jackets on and I put my velcro chaps on.  Then we ordered our food on the speaker outside, and ate it at a picnic table.  It was so good and so was our dessert.  We rode back to our camper, then sat outside for a while.  When we came in, Bill took a shower in the camper. That’s the first time we’ve used it.  I’m taking mine tomorrow.  We have full hookup so that’s why we are using it.  He said it was great, the water stayed hot and there was lots of room in the shower.  I can’t wait to try it.  

I worked on my blog and he caught up on his phone.   

   

Tues., 10/7/25, Left Little Rock, Drove around 120 miles and got to Hatfireld, AK, dropped trailer off, parked camper, set up, went for a walk, played cards and dice, Bill won both games

Beautiful ride on our last stretch before getting to Mena

Pretty spot with great view

We love our spot.  I’m relaxing in our no gravity chair while I took this

On our walk around the campground...My watch said, looks like you’re on a walk, do you want to record it.  I said yes...I have been riding for two days and haven’t got exercise and it could tell lol.

Iron Mountain Pavilion...Bill decided to go to the bathroom while I rested my leg.  Lots of hills to go up on our walk.  

Bill in front of our spot we were camped in last year.  

Our spot, #59

I got up at 7 and got ready and ate breakfast. Bill got up at 8 and got ready.  We left at 8:30.  I forgot to get a picture at Cracker Barrel. Oh well. That’s the 2nd time.

I read my Bible while Bill drove.  Then we listened to worship music!  It sounds great with all of the motor home speakers on.  We only have 120 miles to go.  We stopped after we got out of heavy traffic Ang got coffees at a gas station.  It sure tasted good.  It was another beautiful day starting out at 70 when we woke up and going up to 84 by the time we got to Hatfield.  We drove and found our campsite, dropped the motorcycle off, then took the trailer and dropped it off where you can park trailers, then drove back to our spot and Bill drove in and we lined up the steps with the cement slab.  Then Bill leveled the camper and after he pushed the button it was only a minute and it was all level.  So happy it was so fast.  No boards needed other than the 4 we always put down.  Yay!  Bill set up the outside and I set up the inside.  We relaxed for a while after that, then we ate lunch.  He wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and I ate my left over chicken breast from the Cracker Barrel.  It was big and so good.  I am going to get the same thing when I stop there on our way home.  No fat and nice and crispy.  I had some cottage cheese with peaches on top also.

I sat outside for a while.  It was shaded and was a nice temperature.  I sat in the no gravity chair and really rested for a while.  It was so peaceful and nice.  Jack messaged me and sent me a video to watch.  We texted back and forth a long time discussing what we liked and didn’t like about what the guy said.  Our discussion ended well and we always end with I love you.  I love that my grandkids take with me about things they are interested in.  I love all of my grandkids so much.

Bill wanted to go for a walk, so we walked all around the campground.  There are some pretty big hills to climb, so I told him I wanted to sit on a bench and rest my leg for a minute.  He went to the restrooms in the Pavilion while I texted more with Jack.  I had told him I couldn’t text and talk, because it could be dangerous lol.  

He did a ha ha.  

We saw the spot that Doug and Sue are going to be in we think, and it’s our spot we were in last year.  They are close to us only we are in the row behind them 4 spots down.  

I texted with my sister, Brenda, and the pain is getting better.  She thinks she will be able to go home tomorrow.  I’m glad she’s doing better.  We texted for quite a while.  I also texted with my BF, Vikki, for a while.  I talked to Vikki today and she loved working at Heritage.  The boss there was so kind and such a difference in attitude from the boss she has.  She said she could work there everyday and be happy.  I love that she had such a great day.

I was happy to see videos Kimmy sent me of Jacob’s apartment, his room and garage.  She also sent one showing the area he is in.  Everything looks great.  They met his roommate and said he was really nice.  Praying all goes very well this year.  Always praying for my grand kiddos.  Adam is excited because he gets to move into Jacob’s room at home.  Jacob was so nice about letting his brother have his room.  It works for both of them because Jacob is home for such a little time now.  

My dad always said, they are wonderful boys, just wonderful boys.  They can’t be beat and he sure was right.  They were so small when he said it, but he knew.  I called Kimmy and talked to her so I could hear more about Jacob’s move.  I’m so glad it’s so nice and went so well.

Well, we are getting up early to go volunteer and see what they need us to do here tomorrow.  We had fun volunteering last year, so came early again this year.  Then we will hopefully get a ride in after that and go to Cruisers for ice cream.  

Oh, Bill beat me in both 3-13 and dice tonight.  Both games were super close.  We sure had fun.

Monday, 10/6/25, Left Cracker Barrel’s parking lot at 8 a.m., My sister, Brenda’s surgery went well Yay!, Nice day for traveling, Got as far as Little Rock, Arkansas, stayed in a Cracker Barrel parking lot after eating there.

8

Pulled the seat belt through so I could stretch my leg out and take a little nap while Bill drove.

Woke up to find out we were still in Illinois as you can tell by their cute sign.

At the rest stop took a picture of Bill by the camper

Me by the camper

This is my favorite rest stop we stop at.  I love the lake in the background and this cute bridge

 

Lunch in the camper..chicken salad sandwich and chips.  I should have taken the picture before I ate part of it lol.

Bridge over the Mississippi River

Entering Missouri

Lydia and Evan at Jackson’s pumpkin farm

She and her mom made yummy little apple pies when they got home, and gave some to Evan and his family

 

Got up at 6:30 and got ready and read my Bible.  Bill got up at 8 and got ready.  We left the Cracker Barrel in Anderson, IN, at around 8 a.m..  We had a peaceful night’s sleep although in the morning around 6 a.m., someone’s loud car alarm was going off.  We stopped once for gas, then continued driving.  I started off being a really nice day.  We stopped again at a Rest Area in Illinois.  I had been sleeping, so was hoping we would be in Missouri already.  My leg had been hurting so I went back and got the seat belt through the recliner chair and sat in it and reclined.  Ooh, it was very comfortable.  My leg is doing better today.  Yesterday when Rehvyn turned around and ran to me, I ran to him and my leg hurt worse after that.  He was so cute running to me that I couldn’t resist.  It was really sore the rest of the day.  t like to change positions often since I got blood clots on my way home last year.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure my mom always said.  

I was happy to hear from my brother in law, Dave, that my sisters surgery went well.  The cyst was removed and cauterized.  There was 500 ml of fluid inside the cyst.  So thankful it went well and she should be feeling much better after having that big cyst out. 

I talked to Sue for a long time.  She sounded better today.  Yesterday she was feeling depressed.  She called me back to say her niece, who helps her lots, fell in her driveway and was at the ER.  We are praying no broken bones.  Bummer, found later that she fractured her  fibia and had to have surgery.  She came through it good.

We traveled until we got to the Cracker Barrel in Little Rock, Arkansas.  We ate dinner, then are camping in their parking lot overnight.  There’s another motorhome towing a car here that is spending the night too. So nice that they let people do this.

It was a long day...we are playing 3-13 and dice after Bill reads his Bible, then going to bed.

 

Sunday, 10/5/25, My sister, Brenda needs prayer, she’s having surgery tomorrow morning to remove a large cyst on her kidney. Went to early church, Bill did two baptisms, Awesome worship, Great message, Prayer afterward, left for Arkansas, made it to Anderson, Indiana, ate then stayed overnight at Cracker Barrel

 

Bill driving through Indiana...it’s the only picture I remembered to take today.  

I got up at 6:30 so I could get ready and have extra time to pack last minute things and take them out to the camper.  After we were all ready, we left to get to church a little earlier because Bill had to do baptisms.  We had to turn around and go get a towel for him, but we hadn’t gone very far down the road at least.  One of my favorite people, Wendy and her husband were greeters at the doors.  She speaks the Word of God and prays it over people in an amazing way.  She’s in my intercessory group.  

I brought a coffee from home, then saw that the youth were having a cold brew day to raise money for their Guatemala mission trip.  I decided to buy a coffee and kept my coffee from home for later.  The cold brew was delicious and it’s a great way to support the youth.  

It was the most awesome worship today.  I just wanted to keep worshipping.  It was Celebrate Sunday today.  10 New Members, 5 Baptisms, 5 baby dedications, 4 teens honored for 100 hours of community service and the ordination of Brian our Worship Leader who is our Pastor’s son.  What a day of celebration for all God has done and is doing.  Donuts afterwards for everyone.  I got mine and headed to prayer after service.  

We talked with people, then when we were going out the door, we talked to Heidi and Jerry and found out Jerry’s brother Scott was on the ride when we were with the Tawas chapter.  He and his wife Abi were the couple we talked to that were so sweet and so on fire for God.  What a small world.  Just Amazing.  

We came home and relaxed for a while and Bill read his Bible.  I made some chicken salad up for sandwiches on our trip, and packed a few more things in the camper.  Then I went out to the camper to read my Bible because I had packed it out there already.  I was just finishing reading when Vikki called to see if they could come over and give us hugs goodbye.  I said of course.  Shortly after, she, Peyton and Rehvyn came.  I went outside to tell them that Bill was out in the camper now, because he was in the house when I talked to her.  I got really big hugs from Peyton.  I needed enough hugs to last.  We all visited in the camper and then when they were leaving, Vikki asked if she could pray for us.  We all stood in a circle with Rehvyn in the center and Vikki prayed a really nice prayer for us and our safe travel and our blessed trip.  Thank you so much, Vikki.  That sure meant a lot to us.

Rehvyn kept saying Bye loud and turning around to wave to me.  Then he came running to me for another hug.  I picked him up and hugged him and then carried him to Peyton.  What a sweetheart.  It was 1 when we left.  My sister, Brenda texted me and said she has to be at the hospital at 6:05 a.m tomorrow morning to have surgery for a large cyst on her kidney.  It has been causing digestive problems, neck pain and back pain.  She wants me to be praying which I started doing right away.  I also got the girls and my friend Vikki praying.  Prayer for her is appreciated.  She is the first surgery of the day.  

We had our first answer to Vikki's prayer.  On the expressway by Bridgeport I saw one of the construction barrels in our lane. Bill couldn’t get over because of traffic, but God had it be right by an entrance to the expressway. There was a truck pulling a trailer getting on so it looked like we weren’t going to have enough time to get over.  They sped up and dad had just enough time to get over and miss it.  Praise God.  Our friend hit a cone once when we were following him and it did a lot of damage to his camper.  

Dad also was holding his coffee mug between his legs and it dropped.  It didn’t roll under his foot or the peddle and I was able to get it. It was closed so no spill!  Thanking God!!!

It was smooth sailing the rest of the trip, in the 80’s and sunny.  Bill did a super great job driving with God protecting us all the way.  So thankful.  We stopped once for gas in Dundee so I could get a few Michigan items for our table at leadership training.  We for got to bring out tub full of stuff.  Kathy is bringing table covers and fall decorations, so we just needed things to show we are from Michigan.  

Our next stop was around 7pm at a Cracker Barrel in Anderson, Indiana.  We asked if we could park our camper overnight in their parking lot and they told us we could.  We ate a great meal and then went out and put blocks under the jacks and pushed the level button.  We needed more boards on one side, so added some and then it was pretty level.  We ran the generator and  relaxed, talked to Melissa, Gayla, and Vikki.  Then we played 3-13.  I was lots ahead most of the game, then Bill pulled ahead and he beat me.  I beat him in dice.   We sure had fun.  

Bill caught up on his phone and I worked on my blog.  Then we went to bed.

Sat., 10/4/25, Worked on Bible Study lesson, did laundry, packed lots of stuff for our trip, went to Chick Fil A, Loaded more stuff in the camper

This picture of Rehvyn is from yesterday, but adding it today since I didn’t post it yesterday

Got up around 8:30.  Ate a piece of Kenzie’s Carrot cake for breakfast.  The frosting tastes amazing just like the cake.  I worked on the first section of my Bible Study for the week then.  I read my Bible more after that.  I started packing what’s on my camping list in clothes baskets.  Did the freezer and refrigerator stuff last.  Bill helped carry everything out to my car and then I drove back to where the camper is parked and Bill came pack and handed everything into the camper to me.  Good teamwork.  I got it put away pretty fast.  

He packed all of his stuff too, except the last minute stuff.  Chris Seager came and borrowed the trailer for the Church Serve Saturday.  We wanted to go, but have to get stuff packed and ready because we leave after church tomorrow.  

Around 4, I ate my leftovers from Zehnders and then I went with Bill to Chick-fil-A and he ate and we both got shakes.   We worked on getting my wallpaper back on my phone since they did an update last night and my last wallpaper disappeared.  Sometimes I don’t like what updates do.  They make things worse instead of better in some instances.  We went to Jacks on our way home.

I packed the stuff we got from Jacks in the camper and also took one more clothes basket of stuff out and loaded it.  I watered around the big maple tree where Bill planted grass.  I hope we get some rain while we are gone on our trip.  I watered the plants in the front of the house too.  

Vikki and Rehvyn FaceTimed me a couple of times.  He sure loves it at Grammy’s.  He was playing with Peyton’s doll the first time and love holding it.  The second time he was taking a bath with two new bath truck toys.  He sure was having fun.  

 

Friday, 10/3/25, Kimmy and Vikki came over, Kenzie dropped Rehvyn off, Went to Zehnders to celebrate their birthdays, went to Bronners, came home, went to Heritage Parade, Went to Jacks, Sam’s, Vikki’s and Aldi,

This is the bird print Vikki saw on my window and took this picture of.  Yikes.  Poor Bird.

Rehvyn when we got to Zehnders

He started coloring right away when our waitress brought the sheet and crayons.

Vikki, Rehvyn, Kimmy and me before our food came

Our food was delicous.  I sure am happy they always invite me along.  We always have so much fun.  Our waitress today was so nice and did an amazing job.  

I always love getting a picture by this chicken bush in Frankenmuth...Rehvyn loves chickens and imitating them. He’s in the picture too.

Vikki and Rehvyn were walking and Rehvyn got excited when he saw a big truck.  He pointed at it.

This is him with the big Red truck behind him.  He sure is observant.

He loved looking at all of the ornaments and got so excited

Another truck that he loved

He always patted the snowmen’s noses

Grammy and Rehvyn in Bronners

Me walking with Rehvyn to look at the lit up dinosaur

It was pretty bright

Rehvyn giving Aunt Debbie a big hug and some snuggles

Me, Kimmy, Debbie, Rehvyn and Vikki..we always love finding Debbie when we are at Bronner's.  She works there.

Rehvyn kept saying down and I told him he was stuck and he started laughing.  Every time I would say it he would laugh.

Her loved watching the money spin around when he put it in the slot.  When he just threw it in it just went immediately down the hole.  He sure was disappointed.

Rehvyn in front of the Nativity at Bronners

The plants in Frankenmuth are so beautiful and are huge

Rehvyn wanted to give me a hug today, so I picked him up.  He gave me the best and longest hug.  He was just so precious.  He is a heart melter.  I love him so much!

Ready to watch the Heritage Parade.  Peyton is in it.

His tongue is out...that runs in the family.  My mom would do it when she was trying hard to do something.  

Pure joy!

He sure caught on fast on how to run and pick up candy.  At first the girl next to him was picking it up so fast he didn’t have a chance to get any.  Then Vershon helped by telling her to give some to Rehvyn.  It was funny how sometimes, Rehvyn would put the candy in the girl’s bag.  They threw so much candy, there was tons for everyone to pick up eventually.

Rehvyn was excited when he saw Peyton.  He ran after her and she had to bring him back to us

Peyton and some friends in the parade

My friend Adam from church.  When he was little he was in my Sunday School class. When I yelled his name, he ran some candy over and threw it down for Rehvyn.

Rehvyn...my neiphew Jame’s wife is in front of Vershon pushing the wagon with my nephew, Dominic in it...my other nephew is running behind.  Holly is a teacher!

Kimmy and Vikki came over a little after 8:30.  We drank our coffee and visited.  Vikki noticed a bird print on my window in the family room and took a picture.  Poor bird!  

Kenzie got her and brought Rehvyn.  He was so happy and excited to see us all.  She also brought me some delicous carrot cake.  I tried a tiny speck and it was delicous.  I couldn’t erat a piece because I wanted to be hungry for our meal in Frankenmuth.

We called Melissa to see if she was going with us, but she couldn’t.  We left and Vikki drove us to Frankenmuth.  Rehvyn was so cute in his car seat and so sweet.  We got to the restaurant and he liked the flowers.  We got seated right away at a big table.  Our waitress was the best ever!  She brought me and Rehvyn a plate too for the sides the girls get for their birthday dinner.  Rehvyn loved the cranberries just like his nana.  I ordered a half hot chicken sandwich for my lunch.  I sure got full from all the sides and took half of my sandwich home.  The girls got full and took the left over sides and chicken home for Bill and Jared to have a meal.  They do that every year.  Rehvyn sure was well behaved at the restaurant.  It was so much fun celebrating Kimmy and Vikki’s birthdays and the wonderful blessings that they are.  They sure are gifts from the Lord.  

We went outside and got a picture by the big chicken bush.  I thought Rehvyn would like to see it since he imitates a chicken so cute.  From where we were, you couldn’t really tell it was a chicken too much like in the picture.  Oh well.  

We went to Bronners next.  Rehvyn just loved walking around looking at everything.  He started wanting to touch ornaments, so Vikki distracted him from doing that.  He was so cute when he spotted trucks and would point and get excited.  He was so observant and so so cute.  After we walked through the whole store, we went and found Bill’s sister, Debbie, who was working. She came out to see us and visit for a few minutes, and, of course, get pictures.  Rehvyn gave her a really good hug which made us all happy.  We walked back to where we came in and took more pictures, then left and headed home.  Bill was really happy to get the food they brought him and sure loved eating that yummy food later.  Thank you girls!  Vikki had to leave to go pick up Peyton, and some friends.  Kimmy stayed and visited until I had to leave at 4 to go to Rody’s Aunt Ann’s and watch the Parade.  It was a beautiful day, but was warm in the 80’s, but we had a nice shaded spot and didn’t get hot.  Peyton did great in the parade.  Rehvyn was so excited to see her when she came up to him that he ran behind her to follow her.  She had to bring him back to us.  She did want to take him with her, but Vikki told her no because it was a long way he would have to go with her.  He had so much fun picking up candy and putting it in his bag and sometimes in the little girl’s bag next to us.  It was nice getting to see Isaac and talk to him for a while we were there.  These kids are growing up way too fast.  Ansel came up to us and said hi when he walked by in the parade, and so did Adam Curry.  They both gave candy to the kids.  People in the parade threw so much candy.  More than I’ve ever seen since I’ve been going and that’s many years.  Rody’s Aunt Ann and Vershon were so nice to us.  They always let us sit in front of their house.  

I went to Jack’s, Sam’s Club, Vikki’s (to drop off money for part of Kenzie’s mixer) then to Aldi’s.  I got all the last minute groceries I needed.  Then I came home.  It sure felt good to get home and sit in my recliner.  I sorted through my pictures and worked on my blog.  We stayed up til after midnight.  It was a very fun day.