Sat., 3/27/21, Went to Stacies, went to Costco, watched a movie and had ice cream

 Me, Stacie and D.J....they blessed me with a great birthday gift.  

Bill, D.J. and Stacie

 Deck plaque from Stacie...she also gave me a plant for the pot I carved at Kimmy's.  Then she had 3 more for Vikki, Kimmy and Kenzie to put in the pots they carved.  So Sweet of her!

 The plaque hanging 

 Vikki with her plant

Isaac in the truck helping.  Bill watching Max, Rody, and Bruce unload our Gazebo we got today at Costco

Made some more bread.   Sent some more cards out in the mail.  Did our Bible reading and devotions.  Ate egg salad sandwiches for lunch.  Bill wanted to go for a ride.  We were just leaving when Stacie called.  She wanted to drop off my birthday gift.  Since we were leaving, we just went to her house so they could give it to me.  Kody was playing a game online with a friend, but came out long enough to give say hi and give me my birthday present.  It was a beautiful plaque with Deck sayings on it and 4 plants, one for me and one for each girl who carved pottery at Kimmy's.  Kody was as cute as ever.  It wasn't long before he wanted to go back in and continue playing the game with his friend.  We took a couple of pictures, looked at their baby chickens in the big shed garage and then left. Bill asked me where I wanted to go for a ride, but then we looked at the time. It was after 2, so we decided to just go to Costco instead.  We went in to check and see if they had the gazebo we wanted, but had to order online.  We were amazed to find out they just had gotten 5 in.  They held it and Bill stayed there while I came home to get the truck and the Costco Credit Card which if we used we could save money on the Gazebo.  It only took 14 minutes to get home and then another 14 to get back to Costco.  By the time I got back they had sold 3 and only one was left.  Bill cancelled the one he had ordered online while he was waiting for me.  We ended up saving $900, because they had lowered the price at the store since we were in last, and the one online cost more.  They were the exact same gazebo though.  We were thanking the Lord for saving us so much.  Also they couldn't give us a date when we would get the online one because they kept backordering them.  I talked to Vikki and she came to our house to help unload it.  I called Bruce and he and Max were coming to help too.  Vikki had called Rody and he came too.  So nice to have family that is always willing to help.  The boxes were heavy and altogether weighed 600 lbs.  Bill couldn't help because of his shoulder.  I was so thankful Vikki and I didn't have to try to lift it, because we tried to budge it and neither of us could.  Bill read the directions and said it looks pretty easy to put together once the pieces are sorted.  He will need help with the metal roof though he said.  We ate air roasted carrots, air fried potatoes and ground sirloin burgers for dinner.  Later on we watched a movie called, Running for Grace, and had a bowl of ice cream.

Fri. 3/26/21, Went to Louise's Memorial Service, Kimmy and the boys and Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came over to hang out together

 

They had all of these cute signs in the Methodist church where you weren't supposed to sit

Cute picture of my Marine Veteran

 Eli

Adam

 Jacob...he was tired from staying up late lots of nights working on homework

Adam, Nana and Jacob

Bill went to get coffee with Charlie.  I made oatmeal and coffee and watched the birds while I ate.  It must have rained quite a bit last night, because there were big puddles of water back by the double swing.  Good for all the plants coming up and also for the grass.  It is getting pretty green.  We did our morning reading and devotions.  Adam texted me and wanted to know if they could come over because they only had a half day of school.  Of course I said yes!!!! I made two loaves of bread in my bread makers, then made some egg salad.  We went to the memorial service.  They were very careful which I liked.  Everyone wore a mask and kept it on the whole time, even when we sang.  They had pews blocked off, and the open ones had tape across the middle so people couldn't walk through and go past anyone. 

The pastor did a great job telling about Louise's life and describing what a great, humble, fun, godly, and loving person she was.  They had wonderful pictures up on the screens that kept going.  There were only 24 there because of Covid and also, she hasn't lived here in 2 1/2 years and was 97.  A few days ago they had a Memorial Service for her in Indiana where she lived until she moved here with her husband.  She was from Muncie.  I will always remember her for the wonderful friend she was, the godly example she was, the fun person she was and the humble servant she was.  I sure will miss her.  Her family is so nice and always good to us.  We have stayed at her daughter Becky and Dave's place a few times when we went up to visit Louise and them. We went to Sullivans for dinner in the back room with the family afterwards.  Ginny's mom was there too.  

Kimmy and the boys came over.  When Vikki got out of work, her and the kiddos came over.  We ate egg salad sandwiches made with the fresh homemade bread.  Some just wanted bread and butter, plus snacks.   Eli and Isaac spent lots of time in the basement and outside.  Kimmy, Vikki, Adam and I played a game of 3-13.  Kimmy was the big winner, then Adam, then Vikki and then I was the loser.  We had fun!  Adam helped Papa push over a tree that the wind blew.  It was just resting on another tree at the top. We Face Timed Melissa and all visited with her for a while.  Another fun day with family.  We played  cards with Charlie and Sue at their house in the evening.  We girls won five out of six games.  Go girls!

Thurs., 3/25/21, Vikki brought Peyton and Isaac, Walked outside a few times, Melissa got her new bike, Vikki got her hammock

 

 Before picture

After picture

Before picture

After picture

 More hyacinths poking up

 Evan, Abby and Melissa

Well I posted the before and after pictures you wanted me to, Kimmy, but I sure had trouble trying to put them side by side.  I ended up doing it this way because I definitely need lessons.  I would have been up all night trying to figure it out and probably still wouldn't have.  

In the morning, Vikki brought my two sweeties.  We did spelling and they only missed a couple.  When it was time to read, I told them I would read to them today if they wanted me to.   They both said yes excitedly, then when I started to read Ralph the Mouse, Isaac asked if he could read.  He read the whole time and read just like I would.  He was amazing.  Then we went to get McDonald's for them for lunch and Peyton brought the Picture Bible along, and she read that to us on our drive.  She did amazing too.  I guess they do love to read.  We worked flash cards for multiplication too.  They are on 3's and are learning them fast.  Nice with twins because they can practice together too.  Peyton helped me sort a lot of cards for my card box.  Isaac had fun playing with legos.  I made homemade bread, and took it out shortly before Vikki got here.  She made a ground bologna sandwich for lunch on the homemade bread.  Bill and I ate sandwiches before she got here.  After Vikki and the kids left, I went to Melissa's.  I took her the boy's Devotional she showed me that the boys love.  I read some myself last night and I love them.  Melissa is excited to to the devotions with her boys.  Melissa, Evan, Abby and I walked around their subdivision.  I was so happy to get to pet Abby.  It has been a long time.  It was so nice walking and visiting.  Melissa got her bike today.  It is just like the one she used to have, but is silver and looks even nicer with a couple of changes the company has made. I can't wait to see her ride it!  Vikki got her hammock and holder.  It is so nice and sets up and comes down so easy.  I sent out some more cards today.  Bill and I watched No Demo Reno with the Rambling Red Head.  She did a great job redecorating homes.

 

Wed., 3/24/21, Vikki brought Peyton and Isaac, Gene hung the chandelier for us, Melissa got her Pfizer Covid Vaccine, Bible Study at Church

 

 Melissa got her Covid vaccine today and Bruce got his yesterday.  Cute matching couple!!!

 Gene from church hung our chandelier for us today!  Bill got it for me for my birthday.  It sure gives off lots of light and is so nice!

 Isaac, me and Peyton....We did our reading outside today!

Got up early to shower and get ready before the kids got here.  It had rained outside.  Things are getting greener!!!  Vikki got here with the kiddos.  We drank our coffee and visited.  Peyton had a online meeting with her teacher.  After she was done, we did our reading first today.  We went outside and read while we sat on the swing.  The kids did great!  We did spelling next and they both did much better with those hard words.  Gene came and hung the chandelier for us.  At first he thought it would hand crooked because it hangs on wires and our ceiling it hangs from is slanted.  He had me call Bill and tell him not to rent the ladder he needed for our high ceiling.  I caught him just in time.  Bill got here and they talked about it and Bill told him the cables were adjustable and they should try hanging it.  They worked on it (Bill brought our 12 ft. ladder in and it worked just fine.  The cables were easy to adjust, he just pushed them up farther into the hole, or brought them down farther.  It sure brightens up the foyer.  It is hung higher which is nice.  Vikki got here and loved the light.  I talked to Kimmy to see if she got the pictures I sent her.  She liked it too.  Jared, Bill and Jacob were going to hang it, but it was a good thing Bill decided to call Gene who is an electrician and friend.  That would have been a big job for our guys.  We are thankful they are always willing though.  I texted with Adam lots.  Celebrated James and my birthday with Olive Garden food.  Went to Discipleship/Bible Study at church.  I talked to Melissa and she got her Pfizer Covid Vaccine.  She told me about it.  We are the only two in our family to get the Pfizer.  Bill, Vikki, Bruce, Pam and Dick all got the Moderna.  I'm glad Bruce and Melissa are doing great afterward.  

Tues., 3/23/21, Vikki brought the kiddos, another 70 degree beautiful sunny day, Vikki hung my curtain rods and curtains upstairs for me

                                                                                       

 Vikki hung the curtain rods and curtains and did such a great job!  

Travis and Kenzie with their cute engagement ornaments Debbie sent them

Isaac and Peyton

Bill went with Charlie for a ride while they drank their coffee.  I took the trash and recycling out.  He should be able to start doing it again soon.  Yay!  His arm is improving fast now.  

Our brother in law, Tom, had shoulder surgery today and they also had to do surgery on a finger they hadn't planned on doing.  The surgery took 5 hours, but it was successful.  So happy.  Lots of people were praying!  Vikki brought Peyton and Isaac and also brought some delicious Tim Horton Donuts for all of us.  We ate them.  Sure tasted yummy with my coffee.  Vikki had some time to visit before she had to go to work so that was nice.  Melissa called and told me Bruce got his Covid shot today.  He got the Moderna.  She gets hers tomorrow and is getting the Pfizer.  So thankful no one in our family has gotten Covid.  Thank you Jesus!  I made some ground bologna and we had sandwiches when Vikki came.  Then she wanted to hand the curtain rods and curtains upstairs in the bedroom for me.  We talked to Kimmy while she hung them.  She did a great job and I sure do appreciate her.  We did have to go to get one more rod since I measured the large window for shades, not for curtains, so didn't get the right size.  She got it up quickly when we got home.  Curtains sure make a difference in how the room looks.  Thank you Vikki!  Vikki got to finally go home after that, but first she helped adjust the outside swing Bill and Isaac hung.  Thank you Isaac.  Bill and I were supposed to join the prayer group at church on Zoom, but the invitation didn't come.  A friend from CMA Jackson,  was supposed to drop off cards that I ordered, but she got tied up with a friend, so ended up not coming.  I did the Faith Riders Newsletter and got it done so that's good to have done.  Texted with Adam today. 

Monday, 3/22/21, Did my morning reading outside, worked in flower gardens, hung bird house Kenzie made me, Bill repaired birdhouse doors ruined by woodpeckers, Shopping with Vikki

 

 I did my word search Evan made in my card.  Such sweet words he picked for me.  Thanks , Evan, it was so much fun! Great job making it!

 Loved sitting outside in the sunshine this morning to do my morning reading and drink my coffee

Had two geese visitors come up by the deck for a morning visit

They headed back to our neighbor's pond behind us

We had our morning oatmeal.  It was beautiful and 70 degrees out.  Bill had to go to therapy after he did his morning reading.  I went outside after he left to read and pray outside.  It was so nice out, I started cleaning leaves and debris out of my flower beds.  They look so nice all cleaned out.  Lots of hyacinths and daffodils coming up.  Autumn joy is getting lots of new growth underneath.  So much fun seeing what's coming each day.  I cleaned all the birdhouses out, and hung the cute red birdhouse Kenzie made me when she was in school.  Bill had to change the doors on three of the birdhouses that the woodpeckers ruined by making the hole too big.  Lela gave us a piece of wood with a hole in it to repair them, but it wouldn't work, because the holes were so big there was nothing to screw into.  Finally, it worked on the last birdhouse that was higher up on the double swing frame.  It was such a great idea, I sure was happy it would work on one.  After that, I got the small table and chairs out and put them up on the pool deck, so I could get a recliner chair out.  I relaxed for a while on the deck.  I didn't notice Bill was hanging the double swings out by the fire pit.  I thought he was still working on the birdhouse doors.  He didn't let me know so I could help him.  I sure hope he doesn't do anything to his shoulder by not being a good follower of instructions.  Bill had a meeting with Jeff Davis from church.  He took the motorcycle.  Vikki and I went to Culver's to pick up food and ate it.  Then we went to the Home Goods Store.  I found curtains and curtain rods for the upstairs bedroom.  Only need to get shades and the room will be done. Yay!  

Sunday, 3/21/21...Spring is here and the weather is beautiful today. Went to church, Melissa, Bruce and the kids came for a long outside visit, went on a motorcycle ride

 Hailey playing her guitar with the worship team this morning at the Bethlehem church service.  She did great and I am so proud of her for using her talents for the Lord

Plant cutting starter tube Kenzie made me.  So pretty!  Still have my stained glass from Adam and Jacob.

Max

Jack and Evan...they picked up all the sticks in our yard and did a great job!

Melissa, Max and Bruce

Hailey played her guitar.  Melissa and I sang along to a few worship songs.  We had trouble knowing when to start the song, but Hailey helped us.

My cards from the kids (Hailey forgot hers and is going to give it to me next time I see her)

Nice motorcycle ride by the Bay at Bay City State Park

The water looked beautiful today

Went to church early to pray for the service, our pastor, those who would be in service, and those watching online.  Went to service afterwards.  Worship was great!  We came home and ate.  It was 66 degrees and sunny out.  Melissa, Bruce, Hailey, Max, Jack and Evan came over.  Evan made me birthday cupcakes which we all enjoyed.  They sang happy birthday to me before we ate them.  I opened my cards...they were so cute and showed each one's special personality.  I got a word search card from Evan.  He used words that describe me that I will have to find.  So sweet.  Jack's was very sweet and so loving.  Max's started out with the joke...What goes up and never comes down....Your age!!! I got a good laugh from that.  I love their thoughtful homemade cards.  I got a super nice card from Bruce and Melissa that was beautiful with such meaningful words.  They gave me a beautiful navy blue Columbia zip warm top that is soft like a really soft blanket.  It's so comfy.  We sure loved being able to sit down and have a long visit with each other.  Hailey played her guitar for us.  We sure enjoyed her playing and we even tried to sing along.  We did the best on, Blessed be the Name of the Lord! The kids played some football and rollerbladed.  We all had ice cream sandwiches after they got done.  After they left, Bill and I went on a motorcycle ride to Bay City.  I wore my nice warm top Melissa and family gave me.  I had a Live Generously t-shirt on under it, then put my Jacket on.  Didn't get cold one bit with that soft warm top on.   My legs got a little cool on the way home, but not cold.  The sun was under a cloud by that time.  We had fun and a very nice ride.  Texted with Adam and he kept me up on the soccer scores of their family games.  I called Melissa, Vikki and Kenzie when I got home.  I love my family!