Sunday, 5/9/21, Taught S.S., Celebrated Mother's Day, Got a Ukulele from Bill, Kimmy gave me a lesson on it

Mylee, Isaac and Rody

Melissa and Bruce

 The kids having fun on the hover boards, rip sticks, and rollerblades

Adam on the hoverboard

Isaac

Bill and Sue

Sue, Charlie and Melissa.  Charlie is doing so good after having his esophagus removed because of cancer in Nov. the day before he turned 80.  We are so thankful!  He and Sue are great friends!

 We were happy to see an eagle fly over us.  It was pretty low over the deck, but by the time I got my camera focused on it, it was quite a ways away

Max

Me and Vikki

Kenzie, me, Vikki and Peyton

Kenzie and Vikki

Vikki, Isaac, Kenzie and Peyton

Eli rollerblading on the grass

Jacob and Peyton having fun in the apple tree

 Vikki, Kimmy, Melissa and me

 Melissa and me

 Hailey, Evan, Melissa, Jack and Max

Rody, Peyton, Jared peeking behind her, Jacob, Bruce, Adam, and Bill

 Hailey teaching me the note C on the ukulele

Jacob had some pretty good moves with the soccer ball

Kimmy, Bill, Adam, Eli and Jared working on the turntable trying to get it level with the table so cards slide easily from it to the table...they succeeded!

Jared...this is how you end up when you beat me at 3-13.  Under the table looking up!
Actually he is screwing some loose screws in for us.  He did beat me though!  He wouldn't even let me take 38 like Kimmy when I got 52.  I tried though and said I had the same score as she did.  Better than me trying for -10.

Went to prayer at church, then helped with the kids in Kids Church.  After church, we picked up plants for Mother's Day for Kimmy, Melissa, Stacie, and one from the girls for Sue.  We also picked up a a small round patio table at Aldi for Vikki, and two for me for under the gazebo.  They are nice and fold up really easy.  I had two from previous years, so I have been watching for them to get them again.  We got home, and Bill helped me put extra chairs out on the deck and get the cushions on them.  I washed off the tables.  Kenzie and Mylee got here first.  Mylee was super excited to see me and I was happy to see her.  We put a long tie out around the tree and Kenzie hooked her to it.  She ended up breaking her collar and getting loose.  Kenzie got her to come close, then I called her because I had a hot dog.  She came and I gave it to her while Kenzie grabbed her.  She put her down in the basement with a blanket to lay on and she did good.  Kimmy, Jared and the boys got here first.  Vikki and Peyton were next, then Rody and Isaac came.  We all brought pizzas to eat.  Vikki picked up a no cheese for Bill and shared the one she got with banana peppers with Kenzie and I.  It was yummy!  At 2, Charlie and Sue came, then Melissa, Bruce, and their family got here.  Stacie, DJ and Kody were in Yellowstone and just flying home later today.  We missed them lots.  We hung out on the deck visiting most of the time, because it was windy out by the fire pit.  We turned the gas fire pit on that's under the gazebo.  Evan read some funny jokes from his new joke book.  He was so cute and did a very good job.  Bruce, Jared, and Rody hung out by the fire pit though.  The kids had fun with the hover boards, rip sticks and rollerblades in the neighbor's driveway.  We passed out ice cream sandwiches and drumsticks for a snack.  Bill surprised me and got me a ukulele. I am so happy.  Vikki got one and has been learning to play and is going to teach me.  It sounds so good and is so relaxing.  Hailey and Kenzie have ukuleles too.  Hailey taught me how to tune it with an app on my phone.  Kenzie had to leave to get back home because Travis's mom was there.  Charlie and Sue left, and the rest of us hung out outside for a while longer.  Hailey left, then Melissa, Bruce and the boys left.  Jacob and Adam played Mario, while Kimmy, Jared, Bill and I played 3-13.  Bill won, Jared was 2nd, then Kimmy and then me.  Eli was walking around our property trying to get enough steps to beat Jacob.  He was going at a fast pace out there.  I'll have to find out who wins!  Jacob went out and was kicking the soccer ball around after that.  When he came in, Bill, Jared and Jacob played 3-13.  Kimmy gave me a lesson on the ukulele.  It is so much fun, but I must practice.  Kimmy saw the momma bird fly out of the place where I put the nest today. Yay! That makes me so happy.  I heard lots of chirping too.  My orioles were back and lots of other nice birds.  I got such beautiful meaningful cards, and it was such a fun day with family.  Whenever I look at my Pear tree out front from them all, I will think of this special day and all the love God has blessed us with.  I love my family!

Sat., 5/8/21, Wes's 80th Birthday, Cleaned camper and packed some things, We went to pray for Phyllis, Bill did lots of yard work

 

I didn't get time to bird watch much today, but at 7 in the evening I saw an oriole on my grape jelly I just put out

 This was a very colorful car wash Bill took us through today

I made Bill's oatmeal early so he would have it before he had to leave early to run some errands.  I showered, did some laundry, put worship music on and then did my morning reading.  Bill brought me a muffin home, so I had that for breakfast.  I filled the bird feeders, put the other hummingbird feeder by the deck where the gazebo is. We wished Wes a happy 80th Birthday.  They are at their son Michaels house visiting.   He and Gayla are such blessings in our lives.  

Bill got a call from our friends Phyllis and Andy.  Andy let us know that Phyllis does have cancer and they will be doing more testing to see where it is.  It showed in some fluid around a mass by her stomach, but they are going to pinpoint exactly what kind it is.  They wanted Bill and I to come anoint her with oil and pray over her.  We were outside, so were going to get ready to go right away.  I was getting ready to start cleaning the camper.  Bill told me another robin just flew into the 5th wheel cord holder by the front of the camper.  I had stuffed 3 sheets in it because robins were trying to go in it.  Last year there was a nest in it and we went camping and found bird eggs in the nest, but mom bird was back home.  We didn't want that happening again.  Well I reached in and decided to pull the sheets out.  A baby bird fell out and then the nest started falling but I caught the rest of the baby birds.  There were 5 of them.  I laid them on the broken nest on top of the sheets, while I quick went to look up what to do.  I hurried and got a basket, put the nest in it and put the birds in it and placed it back in the hole it was in.  I prayed for the momma bird to come back, then we left to go pray for my dear friend Phyllis.  We visited for a while, then we all prayed over her.  We all felt God's presence.  

We went down Bay Rd. and Bill asked me if I wanted him to get an oil change for my car.  The reminder keeps coming on, so I was sure glad to have that done.  Then he took it through a car was at Fast Eddies.  He takes good care of me.  We came home and the baby birds were chirping.  I cleaned the 5th wheel and I could hear the birds be quiet for a while, then they would really chirp.  I saw the momma bird outside, but couldn't wait long enough to see her fly in.  I did see signs on the ground that she went in though when I looked later.  It felt good to get the camper nice and clean.  No signs of mice so that was great.  Bill got the lawn mowed, the trimming done and the garden tilled.  It was 55 and beautiful out.  I sat on the deck and watched Bill finish tilling.  He used the rototiller he bought from Charlie and it worked great.  I came in and when I looked out, I saw the oriole at the grape jelly.  I didn't think I was going to see it today with so much going on.  Vikki had her first hummingbird today.  I was happy for her.  

Bill and I watched a movie, Healing by Grace.  It was really good.  We snacked on cashews and M & M Peanuts during it. Texted with Adam and also with Isaac.   

Friday, 5/7/21, Got back on the treadmill today, Amanda graduated as a DO today, the oriole was back, pulled lots of weeds today,

 

Amanda graduating as a DO..Dr. Amanda Baker

 It sleeted today!

I decided it was time to get back on the treadmill today.  It's been a while so I thought it might be hard to get back at it.  It was as easy as before though, so I was happy about that.  

I walked 2 and 1/4 miles.  Listened to worship while I walked so that made time go back fast.  Bill went with Charlie to pick up the title for the motorcycle that was donated from Greg.  I drank my coffee and ate oatmeal inside because it was rainy outside.  I talked to Kimmy and Vikki.  Kimmy had three orioles on her feeder at the same time!  WOW!

I saw my oriole a couple of times today, but it was a cool and windy day, only sat outside for about 45 minutes.  Lots of other nice birds were at the feeder.  I hung my wren house back out.  Wrens always make nests in it, but last month sparrows started making a nest in it so I took it down for a while.  I got online and saw that I could live stream our niece, Amanda's graduation as a DO.  We were so happy to be able to see her graduate.  We are very proud of her!  It quit raining and then started sleeting.  After it quit, the sun came out.  I went outside and walked around and pulled lots of weeds that were growing around the raspberries.  I dug up some grape hyacinths too that were coming up where I didn't want them.  Put some shepherd hooks out and hung things on them and put my banner holder out with a bluebird banner on it.  Texted with Adam.   Vikki had the day off, but had to go in at noon and pick up her teacher appreciation week meal to take home and eat.  It looked delicious.  I made a yummy salad and mashed an avocado to go on it.  I have to start eating healthier again too.  I plan on making cabbage vegetable soup tomorrow.  Texted Melissa, Stacie and Charlie and Sue to set time up for our Mother's Day gathering here on Sunday.  Stacie and her family are in Yellowstone, so she can't make it.  Bill and I watched a movie called "I am Potential" which is about the true story of Patrick Hughs.  It was a super good movie.  He was born with no eyes and could never walk, but was very talented musically.  He ended up being in the high school marching band, then his dad pushed his wheelchair and they were in the college marching band.  It really touched my heart how it was so hard for him to move around, yet he had such a great attitude and kept trying to do what he could.  

Thurs., 5/6/21, Kimmy and Jared got their second Moderna shot, Bill picked up motorcycle donated to CMA, Peyton and Isaac came, Bill and I went to show

 Kimmy and Jared got their second shot this morning.  Such a cute couple!!!

 Isaac, Mrs. Frost and Peyton...they were so happy to see their teacher.  She does and amazing job with the kids and helps them learn a lot

 Vikki second from the right.  She and her co workers work so hard to provide lunches for the kids

Vikki way in back on the left

 Love it when things start bloom and things are getting so green

 Peyton working on one of her Scholastic books her teacher gave her

Isaac reading a poem to us out of his Scholastic Book.  He did a great job!  Peyton read one to us too and did a great job too!

We went to the court theatre on a date tonight.  Only six besides us there and everyone sat super far apart.  The movie was just about to start.  Only one preview ran before the movie started

 A friend posted this and it came up in my memories.  Bill and I way back when we were first in CMA

We ate our oatmeal and had our coffee.  Bill had to go pick up a Harley Davidson Motorcycle up from Greg's.  He is donating it to CMA.  It is beautiful, but needs work.  Vikki brought the kids over.  They had gone to see their teacher to give her a cup made by Kimmy with candy in it.  They were very excited.  She gave them Scholastic Magazines and also books and work sheets.  They got busy working on them right away, and Isaac said they are going to start playing school now.  Isaac wanted to read the book his teacher gave him, so we read that while Peyton watched Lassie.  Then Peyton and I read the book, Lassie.  Isaac came and sat with us too while we took turns reading.  Isaac got all but one word right this time.  Peyton missed more than the other day.  These are hard words for her, but she is starting to remember them after practicing lots.  

I made Peyton and I an egg, cheese and bagel sandwich.  Isaac wasn't hungry.  Vikki came and we helped Bill unload the motorcycle from the trailer.  It doesn't run yet, so it was no easy task.  We did it though and pushed it in the shed.  Vikki had to leave right away after that because the kids had a field trip to go on that was virtual on their computers.  I went and got some groceries, while Bill went to Home Depot.  I ran to Jack's too.  In the evening, we went to the Court Theatre to see the movie, The Girl who Believes in Miracles.  It was a very good show.  It was so nice to go out on an actual pretty much normal date.   I got a beautiful card for Mother's Day for my best friend, Vikki.  She always thinks of me and encourages my heart.  What a great friend she is!  We listed to the National Day of Prayer put on by the Church of God, and spent time praying for our nation and leaders among many other things.  

Wed., 5/5/21, Peyton and Isaac came over, Kenzie came over, Kimmy, Adam and Eli came over, Went to discipleship/class

Peyton and Isaac...they made a little book out of the paper I gave them for their spelling.  Isaac go them all right today!  

 I love seeing my oriole at the feeder.  Lots of other birds drinking at that feeder this year too for some reason

Papa Bill and Isaac working on the car some more.  They have the lights working

 Eli, Isaac, Adam, Peyton

 Adam with Peyton on his shoulders, Eli, Kenzie and Isaac

 Kenzie and Adam

 Nana and Kenzie

 Kenzie, Nana and Papa

 Kenzie and Nana

 Kenzie

Beautiful pendant Kenzie made

 Kenzie and Kimmy

 Peyton and Kenzie

Isaac and Kenzie

 Hailey and Kenzie

 So nice in the evening with the lights on

Bill sold our tiller and then used the money to buy Charlie's tiller.  He picked it up this morning.  I put good worship on and spent time with the Lord.  I ate a bagel for breakfast,  and made coffee for Vikki and I.  She came and dropped the kids off and we talked to Kimmy on the phone while she was here.  Vikki left and after Peyton and I waved goodbye, Peyton did her reading class with her teacher on the computer.  While she was doing that, Isaac asked me if he could do his school on his computer.  Vikki had brought both their computers and told them they could do their school here in the morning if they wanted or they could wait until she got back.  I was proud of Isaac for wanting to do it right away.  Peyton got finished and asked me if during her regular free time, she could do school.  Of course I said yes.  They both got it done right away.   We did spelling and reading after that.  While they had their free time, I read the Bible.  Isaac worked on the car some more with Bill.  I made goulash and Vikki, Peyton and I ate some.  Isaac wasn't hungry.  Kenzie got here.  Adam and Bill helped load up the furniture and other things Christine and Bill gave her.  She brought me some ferns to plant and also some geraniums.  So sweet of her!   She ate some goulash too.  It's a favorite of hers.  Kimmy has a really busy evening tonight, so I packed some without burger for her and packed up some regular for the rest of the family.  Kimmy, Adam and Eli got here.  We hung out on the deck.  Eli wanted to eat a sirloin patty here, since he doesn't like goulash, so I warmed it up for him.  Adam wanted to wait to eat at home, so Kimmy packed some goulash up for him too.  We all walked outside and looked at my plants.  Bill and I had to be at the church for our discipleship meeting.  I stayed for class afterward, and he came home to be interviewed by Hailey for a class she's got.  She recorded him.  Kenzie stayed to finish her laundry.  I got here to visit with Hailey a little while before she had to leave.  I was happy to make it home in time to see her.  She and Bill had an ice cream sandwich before she left.  I sure love my grandkids and kids!  What blessings they are to me!

 

Tuesday, 5/4/21, Rained in the morning, Peyton and Isaac came, Went to intercessory prayer at church

 

Bill towing the go cart to the shed to work on it

Isaac helping papa work on the car

Peyton (her drawing is shows lots of love for Nana...and she wrote her name in cursive lol)
Their shirts say sistersaurus and brothersaurus!

Had our oatmeal and coffee.  Put worship music on.  Vikki brought the kids.  I made her a cup of coffee.  She played a worship song on the TV called Abba+As the Deer by Dante Bowe.  She had been crying from listening to it and by the time I was done, I needed Kleenex too.  What a powerful worship song!  I can't wait to go to the concert he will be at.  Bill took the garbage out (I'm so thankful he can do it now).  Gave Peyton and Isaac 15 minutes of free time...the love that each day.  Then we started our spelling.  I went over the words with them, then they took a test to see how many they knew.  Isaac missed 3 and Peyton missed 9.  They were hard words, so they both did good for the first time.  They wrote them 5 times and knew them when I asked them the words again.  I didn't get to ring my bell again, because they were at the table and had their paper and pencils ready.  Great kiddos!  While they wrote their words, I walked outside and looked at my plants.  Nice to have God water them instead of me.  So thankful for the rain!  I went inside and we started the book, Lassie.  They did a good job reading.  I read some too.  It is a really old book.  They read the Picture Bible really good too.  We are half way through it now.  Peyton and I went and picked up McDonald's for lunch for her and Isaac.  Isaac wanted to stay with Papa.   After McDonald's, we went to get tacos for Bill at Taco Bell.  We got home and ate.  Papa's tacos had cheese, so we saved them for Vikki.  His McFlury was a small instead of a large.  I told him God must be putting him on a diet lol.  Vikki got here and ate the tacos.  The kids had everything packed up and ready because they had a virtual field trip so had to get home for it.  I made sirloin patties, potatoes and carrots in the Smart Pot.  It was super delicious.  I went to intercessory prayer.  It was an amazing time of prayer and praising.  Bev and Dave were back from Arizona and so were Kurt and Kathleen.  Talked to Kimmy, Melissa, and Kenzie.  Texted with Adam.Kenzie has a beautiful outside cat now.  She also has 2 doves Travis's mom got for them.   

Monday, 5/3/21, Did regular morning routine, Bill went with Charlie for coffee, I shampooed carpets

 Trying Kimmy's box fans out to dry my carpet..had to make sure they worked before I gave them to her.  They worked great!

Violets are so pretty in the woods

 Jacob, Jared, Kimmy, Eli, Adam, Vikki, Bruce, Max, Melissa, Evan and Jack

Got the spot picked out where to plant the tree

 Jacob digging the hole for the tree

Kimmy, me, Vikki, and Melissa

Me by my new tree

Evan, Eli, Jack, Adam and Max all had fun hanging out

Max, Jack and Evan, Eli and Adam

 Eli

 Vikki sent me this picture of the tree in the truck after they picked it up

Eli, Bruce and Melissa

This is what the tree will looks like when it gets big

Had my morning coffee and oatmeal.  Bill went for coffee with Charlie.  I listened to worship music, vacuumed and shampooed the living room, stairway, and upstairs hallway carpets.  My shampooer does an amazing job and makes the carpet look like new and we've been here 18 years and the carpet was already in.  I cleaned a couple more drawers and moved summer stuff downstairs and winter stuff upstairs.  Cleaned out the freezer drawers in the refrigerator too.  It was a rainy morning.  When it looked like the rain had stopped, I went outside to walk around the yard and look at my plants.  It was lightly misting.  All the plants were happy with the half inch of rain that fell.  Vikki said she needed to borrow the truck to help Misty move.  She came and visited for a while while we drank our coffee.  She left, and when she came back Bill told me she wanted me to meet her in back.  I thought Misty probably gave her some more things she wanted to show me.  Bill and I walked back and she was there and so was Kimmy, Jared and family and Melissa and Bruce and family.  They had bought me a pear tree that I have been wanting and told Vikki I wanted to get.  What a great surprise, and what a great family to bless me by giving me such a great Mother's Day gift.  I will think of them whenever I look at it.  Jacob dug a nice hole.  He had to leave to get his Covid test to be able to play soccer.  Kimmy had locked her keys in the van, so Jared took Vikki's car to take him.  He went home to get the other set of keys too. Bill had to leave to go to Trinity Riders Meeting to give the the State Rally Flyers Kenzie and Travis made up for him. I had told him I didn't want to go this morning, and was so happy to have such wonderful company come.  Kimmy and Vikki loosened the roots and planted the tree.  Does it ever look nice.  We visited on the deck afterwards.  Loved seeing the cousins all walking in the yard and talking.  After we had visited for a while, Melissa, Bruce and boys had to leave so Evan could finish his school work.  When Jared and Jacob got back, I put some snacks out for us to much on.  When they were leaving, Jacob went to get his headphones he left in the truck.  When he got close to the van door, Jared started going slowly.  Jacob said, ok, I'll just stay here.  That's my boy!  Jared stopped and let him in then.  Bill got home.  He ate a bowl of chili that I had unthawed.  We watched one Father Knows Best and then a couple of Leave it to Beaver's.  Vikki called and told me Maverick City was going to have a Concert in Lansing in October.  We knew we wanted to go, so she got tickets for Rody, Peyton, Isacc, Bill, me and her.  We are super excited to go worship with such amazing worship leaders.