Friday,1/14/22 Snowy day, all day at leadership conference in Iowa

Pictures of our table Bill took. Me on my phone!

Picture of our table I took with Bill in it

They played Brandon Lake’s worship which I love

Bill by our RFS table for the silent auction 

                

                          

Hotel when we got back in our room

We ate scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast, then went out and Bill cleaned the snow off the car.  We drove to the church and did some sliding on the way.  Glad the church is only a few miles away.  The conference speakers were really good.  Good food at the church.  It was snowing out the whole time we were there.  When we got out we already had about 6 inches.  Bill warmed the car up and cleaned the snow off, then picked me up at the door.  Someone asked me if my granddaughter they saw and heard on my Facebook page, could do worship for the CMA youth at our State rally.  She leads worship for the adults, sings and plays the piano great.  She has even sung with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  Thought it was so nice that she loved Haileys group in my video.  I let Hailey know.  9:17 and I’m going to bed. Super long day and I’m tired.  Good day though.  Texted lots with Adam! 

Thurs, 1/13/22, left home at 5 a.m. for Iowa, shared the driving, got to our destination at 2 p.m. Iowa time.

 

Cool bridge we crossed.  We were in Iowa on the other side of the bridge

Sign on the other end of the bridge 

We ate at Culver’s on Michigan time so it was pretty empty.  Cute picture above Bill.  Cutouts…fries, a burger and a pop!  Took me a minute 

We left at 5 in the morning. Billl drove to Shields, then I told him I would drive while I knew where I was going.  I drove til we got to Perry. It was a little foggy and I didn’t want to drive on the expressway when it was foggy.  It wasn’t real bad fog, but I thought it could get worse.  He drove till we were about 100 miles from Chicago.  I drove then and even though we didn’t go through Chicago, there was lots of fast moving traffic and lots of semi trucks.  I was glad to get out of that.  Bill started driving again and we got in fog for a long time again.  We stopped and ate at Culver’s.  Bill prayed for our food and our family.  I added a please let the sun come out and burn off the fog.  15 minutes after we left the sun came out and the fog was gone. I sure was thankful.  I drove the last 50 miles.  We read our Bibles, then we relaxed and took a short nap in our hotel room, then got pizza and went to the church to set up our Michigan table and RFS table.  Jay gave a good message. He said quite a few people are missing because they were exposed to COVID.  We came back to our hotel room and Adam texted me to send him a video of our room.  I did and because Bill was so funny, sent it to all the girls too.

Wed., 1/12/22, Happy Anniversary to Stacie and DJ, Picked us Clementines to take for Conference, spent the day packing and checking on friends

 

I love my honey pot from Kimmy, Jared and boys!  I use it every day!
Thank you Russell family!

Floorboard is down and makes the room look amazing

Kenzie and Travis are doing a great job painting and putting the floor down.  It looks amazing!  Such a big difference from when they bought the house.  It was like YIKES before!  Now it's beautiful

Kit Kat relaxing by the heater.  

Nice to have a warmer day with less wind.  We did our morning reading, then Bill met Charlie for coffee and I went to get some clementines and bird food and suet.  Lots of birds were here once I filled the feeders and put the suet out.  The birds seem to like the pine cone covered in peanut butter and rolled in bird seed better than the suet that Kody made us.  I would get dizzy if I were spinning on that pinecone like they do.  Kenzie sent me some pictures of how the house is coming.  They are doing such a great job for never doing this before.  The house is going to look beautiful when they are all done.   We spent a lot of the day packing stuff for our trip tomorrow.  Only have the last minute stuff to pack now.  I talked to Melissa, Kimmy and Vikki today.  Peyton and Isaac's teacher broke his leg.  He rides his bike to school even in the snow.  We are waiting to hear how he did it and how bad it is.  Praying for him!  He is the kids favorite teacher ever.  Called Marie to check on them today and we prayed together over the phone.  Roy still isn't feeling well and is in bed.  Marie is feeling a little better each day.  Getting ready to watch a Little House, then going to bed early so we can get up by 4.  

Tues., 1/11/22, Picked Adam, Eli and Jacob up from school, picked up McDonalds, Kimmy and Jared came over, went to Vikki and Rody's for dinner

 

Busy back yard off the deck this morning...nuthatch going down the tree

Cardinal waiting to eat

Peter rabbit munching

Squirrel eating on the ground, Woody in the tree

Eli with the new lamb and me

Eli with me holding the lamb...its so sweet and cute

Best picture of the lamb, but Eli's face was hidden

Eli bring Bo to meet Papa Bill

Papa Bill and Eli.  Papa's first time meeting Bo!  He gave him a good treat too!

Picture of all the sheep Bill took

Kimmy and Jared in their new Honda Civic.  It's so nice!  They stopped to show us and let Bill drive us around the block.  It rides so nice and is so comfy.  They sure are going to enjoy this car!  Great on gas too!  

Side view of Kimmy and Jared in their car....sunset  reflecting off the shiny car.

Bill, me, Peyton and Isaac...Vikki had us over for delicious meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. We were so full afterwards.  Thank you Vikki!  We watched a Medicine Woman episode after we ate.

Bill, me, and Peyton

Vikki gave me a new 8x10 picture of Kenzie  (upper right).  It's beautiful!  Thanks Vikki!

Bill took the trash and recycling out.  I made our coffee.  I had oatmeal (shhhhh) and he had noisy cereal lol!!!  Stacie called and we had a nice talk.  I put her on speaker and Bill joined our conversation.  We read our Bibles afterward.  Then we went to find a basket at Goodwill.  We had stopped and I found one at Dollar General, but it was $11 and I figured I could find one like new at Goodwill for much cheaper.  I was happy when we found a nice big one that's perfect for the Military basket we are filling for the RFS auction.  It was only $3.59 too, so a much better price.  We went to Meijer to get candy for the basket too.  It's all set now.  We also picked up tablecloths to decorate our Michigan table when we get there.  Just have to pack tomorrow.  On our way home, Kimmy called and they were picking up their car, but had to wait for them to check why the tire sensor was lit up and air was leaking from the tire.  They needed us to pick up the Adam from school, which we, of course, were happy to do.  Then it was taking longer, so she needed us to go pick up the other boys after Adam.  We picked up Adam first.  I picked a number (6) and told Adam whoever got the closest to my number between him and Jacob, would get to sit in the front seat.  He picked 5 and I thought, wow that close poor Jacob doesn't stand a chance.  I didn't tell Adam he was close though.  We picked up Eli next, then Jacob.  I told Jacob to pick a number and he picked 6.  He was the winner.  I had fun sitting the the back between Adam and Eli.  We did a lot of laughing and had so much fun.  We took them to McDonalds and picked up food and drinks.  Bummer, nothing with ice cream was available today, so they couldn't get their shakes.  We got out on the road, prayed and Jacob started to pass out the food.  Eli was missing his hamburger.  We had to cross the busy road (from school traffic) and go back and get the missing burger.  We headed to their house and ate on the way.  We laughed again because Eli and Adam couldn't have a cup holder because I was sitting against it folded up.  Kimmy and Jared were going to meet us at McDonald's but the sensor light came on again.  They called the dealer and were told to take it to the nearest Honda Dealer which was in Bay City, have the fix it and the dealer would cover it.  

We got to their house and went in so we could see the car when Kimmy and Jared came home.  We worked on that really hard puzzle with all of the faces they have been working on.  It sure is a hard one.  They have quite a bit of it done now.  I did find 3 pieces after quite a long time looking for them.  Eli, Papa Bill and I went outside so Papa could meet Bo for the first time.  We couldn't get the door to the barn open, so Eli took us around the outside of the barn (brrrr) and we came in the back way.  Eli got treats for Bo and then went and got him out of the lean too.  We all gave Bo treats and Bill thought he was a pretty nice horse too.  It was so much fun petting him. It was super windy and very cold.  I don't know how Eli could stand it without gloves. I took mine off for just a minute to take pictures and they were freezing cold afterward.  We went in the barn and Bill fixed the door that wouldn't open for us, then we went in and saw the new lamb.  It is sooo cute and very sweet.  It's momma was really nice too.  Bill took some pictures, then we went back in the house.  Worked on the puzzle a little longer with the boys, then decided to leave because Kimmy said they were still working on the car.  They found out the rim wasn't sealed right and got it fixed properly.  We were just getting to Freeland when Kimmy called to see where we were because they were by Mackinaw Rd. and U.S. 10.  They decided to come to our house and show us the car.  We even got to got for a drive around the block.  It is very nice, comfortable, lots of great features, great color inside and out, and a sunroof.  We are sure happy for them!  Amazing too, because they paid $500 for their other car, and traded it in and got $500.  You can't beat driving a car for 7 years and getting what you paid for it.  

After they left, Vikki called to see if we wanted to come for meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  

We went and it was the most delicious meal!!!  She cooks just like my grandma Daisy who was the best cook ever!  We visited and watched a Medicine woman episode.  Such a fun night.  When we got home, we packed stuff we have to take to Iowa.  Melissa called and we had a good long talk.  I am so thankful I am so close with all of my girls.  I sure love my family!

Monday, 1/10/22, Went to Melissa's, went to Aldi's, went to Clare to General Jims to get items for basket to Auction for RFS

 

Evan eating his oreo 

Jack using his Oreo's for glasses

7 years ago, I found these legos for $5.60.  Kimmy put both sets together for me.  Such a deal!  All of the kids thought they were pretty cool!

Had coffee and "quiet" oatmeal time, then Bill went to therapy and I went to Melissa's, Aldi's and then Salvation Army.  I dropped off a family pack of Oreo's to Melissa and family.  Sure is another cold windy day here.  I couldn't wait to get back in my car and head home.  I did stop quick at Salvation Army and looked for a basket.  We need one to take to Iowa for our Auction items.  Stopped at Aldi's for just a few things.  No place was busy, so I was glad of that.  I hit a good time.  Nobody wanted to go out in that cold probably.  Bill and I took a cat nap.  In the afternoon, we went to Clare to go to General Jim's to get military stuff for the basket we are auctioning to raise money for Run For the Sun.  We found some good stuff and everyone is going in on it.  We walked around Jay's also.  It was quiet there too.  Marie called while I was in there.  She called to find out the results of Roy's test.  They couldn't find anything, but after a while called and said the results were positive for Covid.  They told her they couldn't fax it to his doctor, they could only mail it to Roy.  Well it already took 3 days since he was tested, so they can't wait for it to be mailed.  He needs it to get the doctor to order an infusion.  Marie's sister is picking it up tomorrow and dropping it off at the doctor.  Praying it goes well, so no more time is waisted.  Praying most of all for healing.  Roy is 86 so hopefully they get going on this.  I made spaghetti when we got home and Bill set al of the stuff we got out on the table and took a picture and sent it to Ziggy, our State Coordinator.  We watched some Little Houses in the evening.  

Sunday, 1/9/22, Went to church, Went to Kenzie's, went to Vikki's, watched Little House

 

Hung my new picture calendar Vikki made me up.  I sure do love the calendars she makes me every year. 

Me and Vikki...first 2022 picture together

Peyton with her choir book.  She started choir today and loved it!

Kenzie with my kitty she is giving me

Kenzie in the living room which they painted and put the floor down in.  Just have to put floorboard up.  They did a good job and it looks so nice.

Me and Isaac

Evan after beating Melissa at Ticket to Ride

This is my cat I am getting from Kenzie.  Her name is Kit Kat

We went to prayer before church started.  Good prayer, then a very good church service.  After church I made eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast for brunch.  We sat down to relax and Kenzie called.  They had a tire loosing air quickly on their car and didn't have a spare.  It was super cold and windy up and they wanted to take the tire off so it wouldn't freeze in the ground.  Bill asked me if I wanted to go there, so we called them back and told them we were coming and he would bring a better jack.  When we got there, I went in the house with Kenzie and Bill and Travis took the tire off.  They found out they did have a spare, so they put it on until tomorrow when they can get new tires.  Kenzie and I had fun visiting and playing with the kitten she is giving me as soon as I get back from Iowa.  She was scared at first, but then came and let me pet her and tried to play.  Kenzie brought Katniss in the living room so I got to pet her too.  They had Dennis the Mennis playing, so we finished watching that and then left for home.  After we got home, I went to Vikki's to pick up the picture calendar she got me.  It is bigger than my other ones, and so nice with all of my favorite pictures. We had fun looking at it together.  Thank you Vikki! Peyton just got home from her first choir practice and really liked it.  When I got home, Bill and I watched a couple of Little Houses.

Sat., 1/8/22, Peyton beat us up this morning, watched Little House, played games, papa brought us doughnuts, Vikki came over, Went to walk around the Mall, got Culvers

Peyton this morning when I woke up

Me and Peyton eating the doughnuts papa brought home for us

Peyton playing Yatzee

Peyton playing Yahtzee

Peyton...I hope she's not stacking the deck lol

                                                                                    

Peyton has all of her blue tokens in home or very close, I still have one is start

Peyton needed a 1 to win and I needed a 3 to win.  I shook a 3, then she shook a 1 right after I won...so we were both winners

Peyton looking at me upside down

Kimmy planted my Paperwhites for me last night, they grew some already

Kimmy sent me this wonderful picture of Adam all ready for sledding...at least he's not wearing shorts!!! It's only in the 20's.  I found out they are sledding a few miles from me, so I texted him to let him know he could call me if he got cold.  Told him everyone was welcome if they needed to warm up.  He let me know when they were done and said he was cold, but had fun.  I love that boy so much!

Peyton was laying on the couch when I got up.  She wanted homemade toast this morning, but for some reason didn't want cinnamon on it.  Hum!!!!  I had a piece of toast too.  I made more bread.  We watched a couple of Little Houses, she drew for a little while, Papa brought us doughnuts and me a Cappuccino home.  I made Peyton chocolate milk.  We played two fun games of Yahtzee and she won both of them.  We played Sorry and it was really close, but I beat her by a pinch.  We had lots of fun.  Watched another Little House and had egg salad sandwiches on homemade warm bread.  Vikki came and she had an egg salad sandwich too.  We visited for a while and finished Little House, then they left for home.  Bill and I watched the next Little House because it was continued.  We went to the Mall to walk around.  It was so empty.  Makes me sad to see so many stores closed and so many restaurants gone in the food court.  We got Culvers to eat.  It was yummy.  We relaxed in our recliners when we got home.  I called Marie to check on her and Roy.  She said she was a tiny bit better, but Roy is sick and right down in bed.  I prayed with her, then put them on our church prayer page.  All prayer is appreciated.  Roy is 84 and the sweetest person!  He reminds me lots of my dad.  Adam sent me a great song by Matthew West called "Walking Miracles".