Wed., 2/2/22, Snow day for all grandchildren doing in person school, about 6 inches of snow fell today

Kimmy and Jared Sheep are having some cute lambs this year.  Looks like boys rule this year!!! 

Della's single boy

Emerald had cute twin boys..nice surprise for the Russell family this morning

Paperwhite blossom coming

Beautiful snow day!

Snowy day...birds were happy I filled the feeders yesterday

Lots of different kinds of birds today!  So many!

I sure love seeing pictures of Kimmy and Jared's newborn lambs.  They are so cute! I cancelled getting together with Maddy today.  Didn't want to get caught in a white out and didn't want to drive on slippery roads.  Been there, done that.  Talked with Kimmy this morning.  I was happy to hear twin healthy lambs were born.  Poor Kimmy and Jared forgot that Jacob still had to go to Delta when his school was closed.  They thought about it when they came in from the barn.  Jacob missed the bus, so Jared drove him all the way to Delta.  At least the roads weren't as bad as later in the day.  Bill wanted me to go with him to meet Charlie and Sue at Nora's for breakfast.  Bill drove the truck.  We had a nice breakfast and there were only a couple of people in the restaurant.  Breakfast was delicious.  We mailed Haiti coffee to Bill's sister Angie.  It's delicious coffee and it helps people of the community to keep working and growing crops to provide for themselves and get out of poverty.  

Bill snow blowed the driveways, and I vacuumed and dusted upstairs, and also the living room, kitchen and family room.  Melissa called and I talked to her for a while.  Then Vikki called and I talked to her.  Love having a close family.  I got lots of cards ready today.  Prayed over them before I send them out tomorrow.  Warmed up chili for dinner and had ground bologna on homemade bread for sandwiches.  House is nice and cozy with the fire going in the fireplace.  Thankful for the home God has blessed us with.  I texted with Adam today, however we said good morning, good afternoon and goodnight in one text.  He invited me to play Phase 10, but I couldn't join for some reason.  He said we all might play later.  I will wait to see.

Tues., 2/1/22, Warm 47 Degree Day today, Rained in the evening and will turn to snow

My paper whites are sure growing

Kit-Kat spent the day outside because it was so nice.  At first she wanted to come in the house and did lots of meowing.  

Then she looked like she was thinking about going off the deck to explore

Then she begged one more time to come in

Birds were plentiful at all the feeders today.  Storing up because they know a storms coming

Peyton eating a piece of my homemade bread

Isaac eating a candy bar from Papa

Vikki and I with our delicious root beer floats

Kit-Kat wandered over to the other side of the deck.  Then Vikki saw her go under the pool steps.  She was gone for quite a while, so I called her so the kids could give her some attention.  We all ended up going outside.  At first we didn't know where she was, but then we heard her meowing under the deck.  Sweet Vikki dug some snow away, so there was room for sure for her to come out.  She would stick her paw out, but wouldn't come out.  We all tried to coax her, but she stayed put.  Finally we came back in the house, then we saw her come up on the deck.  I went out by myself and called her and she came to me.  The kids loved giving her attention.  When she started acting too frisky, Vikki put her in the garage for me.  She stayed in the garage once it started raining.  

Peyton giving Kit-Kat lots of attention.  Isaac was too, but his eyes looked weird in the picture and were glowing lol, so I cut him out.

Bill and I enjoyed our oatmeal and coffee this morning.  I made bread in the bread makers.

We read our Bibles.  Bill had some errands to run in town, so I put on worship music while he was gone and made ground bologna.  Vikki and the kids were supposed to come have chili and ground bologna sandwiches after school was out.  Vikki forgot about it, so she was headed home.  I called her and she had just ordered a Burger at Rally's.  Peyton told her she would eat the burger, so they headed here.  Vikki loved the ground beef sandwiches on homemade bread. So did Bill and I.  The kids didn't eat any.  They didn't eat any chili either.  Vikki and I did.  We were pretty full afterwards, but not to full to enjoy the root beer floats Vikki made.  She brought the stuff for them and we all thought they were delicious.  I sent chili home for Rody and Had Vikki take some ground bologna and homemade bread. 

Melissa called, and she and her family were sad to have Riley go home today.  They sure have enjoyed having her.  Vikki picked up our free N95 face masks for us at Rite Aid.  We really appreciated her doing that.  I delivered chili and ground bologna to Kim R.  Her hubby was moved back into intensive care tonight with breathing difficulties from the Covid.  I also took some to Charlie and Sue's.  Took some homemade bread too.  Charlie has fluid on his lungs again.  Both can use prayer.  I went to intercessory prayer.  It's always a good time of powerful prayer.  We prayed for Mark and Charlie while there.  When I got home, the school closing list started growing.  Vikki's and the kids schools closed finally. Peyton and Isaac don't want a snow day.  Silly kiddos!  Hailey and I were texting waiting for hers to close.  Finally at 10 it did.  She was one happy girl. I was a happy Nana because I didn't want her driving in bad weather.  Kimmy's boys schools aren't on the list yet.  They are always last to close.  Kimmy sure could use a day having them home enjoying a snow day.  Maddie messaged me and wants to have breakfast together tomorrow morning at 10.  We will have to see what the weather is like now.

 

Monday, 1/31/22, Eye Appointment, stopped at Melissa’s, made chili

 

 Made chili with potatoes in it

Ate oatmeal and had our coffee.  Did our morning Bible reading.  I spent time in the family room with Kit-Kat.  Tomorrow she gets to spend time outside because of our short warm up.  Last night a girl from church, who hasn’t been coming long, messaged me and wanted prayer because she started bleeding and thought she might have miscarried.  Bill and I prayed for the baby to be okay, (we had prayed with her husband earlier). Today she sent me an ultrasound picture and told me everything is well with the baby.  We were overjoyed and sure are thanking God.  What an awesome God! 

 

I had to go for an eye appointment. I haven’t been there since COVID started.  The appointment went good, however when it was time to pick out my new frames, I could hardly see what color the dark ones were because of having drops in my eyes. I sure was missing Vikki.  She’s our family “pick out the best frames” person. I didn’t ask her because of COVID.  The lady helping me loved them!  I hope I do when I can really actually see them good ha ha.  I dropped off some N95 masks to Melissa. Bill worked on getting the new 5th wheel hitch off the truck and put together.  When I walked in the door he was unloading the dishwasher.  So sweet of him! He’s a keeper! Vikki and I talked a few times.  Peyton has a nice friend down the road, and she went to play with her, than Lily came to Peyton’s house. I made chili for dinner.  I had a bowl and Bill had two bowls. I texted with friend Vicki B. Texted with Adam and Kimmy. I’m sad another lamb died.  Thankful for the ones that are healthy and praying Blanch has healthy ones soon.  Lambing time can be nerve wracking. Adam, Vikki, Kimmy and I played Phase 10 on our phones together.  It was fun even if I didn't win any rounds.  

Adam got to sleep in his new room last night.  I am so happy for him.  They sure are working fast on getting it done

Eli and the two lambs born last night.  Their triplet didn't make it.  Always sad when
that happen

Peyton and Isaac

Peyton  

Isaac

Bill sold our 5th wheel hitch for $550 which is $50 more than he paid for it.  Then today we went and he picked up Greg's (a friend in CMA)  5th wheel hitch he was selling for $500.  Greg told him he checked and is selling for $1700 right now.  What a blessing to be able to get a better hitch for such a great price.

Hailey went with me to take pop cans back.  Then we stopped at Taco Bell.  I just had senior ice tea....nice they still are free

Jack and Abby

It was warmer today.  It got up to 29 degrees and sure felt lots better.  We went to prayer before church.  The worship and Pastor's message were amazing.  Ron and Barb, friends of ours in Faith Riders who just moved here, were at church again this week.  Last week was their first time coming.  We got lunch from Cody's Landing.  We took a nap, and all of a sudden Bill said Penny and asked me if I wanted to ride to Mt. Morris with him to pick up a 5th wheel hitch.  I was sleeping and it sure startled me.  Of course I wanted to go though, so I got ready and we left.  I thought about Hailey and how I had told her I would pick her up to take pop cans back with me.  I texted her and we decided to take them back when I got home if it worked out.  Bill and I ate a candy bar on the way.  We were surprised when Greg came out and his beard was longer than Bill's and his hair was super long too.  He sure looked different than the last time we saw him.  He and his wife are always so nice.  We camped with them in Sept.  Bill and him talked lots about the hitches, fifth wheels and trucks.  He had just got a diesel truck too and showed it to Bill.  We left, and when I got home I gave the kitty some attention, then Hailey and I went to Meijer to take cans back.  I sure do appreciate how she always helps me.  We stopped at Taco Bell when we got done.

She got a Nacho Bell Grande'.  I had warmed up my left overs from yesterday, so I just got my senior unsweetened ice tea.  We stopped at Melissa's on our way home so I could meet Riley.  Riley really liked me and kept coming up to me.  She is such a nice cute dog.   We gave Abby some attention too.  We love our Abby!  It was nice seeing Jack and Evan.  Nice getting to spend time with Melissa too.  Texted with Adam and Kimmy today.  Blanch was having her lambs and had a prolapse which was causing problems.  She asked for prayer, so I prayed and called Melissa to have her pray me too.  Bill and I watched the football game.  What a turn around at the end.  We were both happy the 49ers won!

 

Sat. 1/29/22, Bill, Hailey and I went to Snowfest, then to Coco Loco

Kit-Kat by the fire warming up

Hailey with her guitar fly swatter.  I asked her to send me a selfie and then I couldn't pick between them so put both on

Hailey by Papa Bill's brick in Frankenmuth

Papa Bill, Hailey and me

Hailey in front of one of the snow sculptures

Hailey

Bill and I at Coco Loco

Kit-Kat loves being spoiled

It was one degree out when I got up.  Bill met with Rich Dudek for breakfast.  I made oatmeal for breakfast, had mint tea with it, then did my Bible reading and prayer time.  I put on good worship music which I always love.  Bill had told me he wanted to go to Frankenmuth to the Snowfest today.  I texted with Hailey and told her we were going and said she was welcome to come with us.  She texted me back ooo yea I want to go with you guys.  She's so cute!  I called Bill to find out what time we were going to leave our house, so I could let Hailey know.  I gave Kit-Kat attention by the fireplace and let her warm up.  I love how she purrs.  Bill got home and read his Bible.  I put on 3 layers on the bottom and 3 layers on the top.  I could hardly get my coat on, but managed.  Had a warm neck thing on, a warm hat and my mittens Kimmy made me from Blanch.  I also dug out my really warm boots and put them on with two pair of socks on my feet.  It was 18 degrees out when we left.  We were happy to see Hailey.  We gave her a guitar fly swatter we got for her at the American Pickers Store in Iowa.  She loves playing guitar so when we saw it we thought it would be a funny surprise.  She laughed and thanked us.  We got to Frankenmuth, and Bill told me we were parking at Jeff and Debbie's and they were walking with us. That was a long walk to get to where the snow sculptures were.  We looked at Hailey when she got out of the car and Bill asked her if she wasn't wearing socks.  We could see her bare legs between her shoes and her rolled up jeans.  Kids!  They don't dress warm, even if you tell them to because it's going to be very cold.  I told her she should unroll her jeans one roll to cover her ankles.  She did.  We walked and after quite a ways, I asked Hailey if she wanted to go into a store and warm up.  She did!  We walked until we got to Abby's store which is a favorite of ours, Melissa's, and Debbie's.  We walked around and then when I thought of socks, I told Hailey to pick out a pair and she could put them on in the store.  We found some Wool-O socks and Debbie said she had a pair of those and liked them.  They had some nice thick ones, but they wouldn't fit in the tiny tennis shoes that Hailey had on.  They did have a medium thickness pair, so we got them.  The girl checking us out asked Hailey if she was going to just put them on in the store.  (Must be lots of people did that lol)  We told her yes and she took them out of the packaging and handed them to Hailey.  Hailey put them on right away and we both felt better.  They kept her warm, and I felt better not worrying about her.  We walked around and saw the sculptures, but there were no really good ones this year.

Most of them, we couldn't even tell what they were supposed to be.  We walked down by the ice skating rink, watched them clear the ice of with the zamboni.  Walked through Bronners, and while everyone else went to the bathroom, I took Hailey into the doll store and showed her where she adopted her baby doll, Cassie, when she was little.  She loved seeing all the babies in the bassinets and we both loved the special memory we had of her picking out her baby.  I must say, she loved Cassie so much, I got my moneys worth.  What a fun and special memory that day is and will always be.  We walked through town on the other side and went into a coffee shop.  It's machines weren't up yet, but he said he could make us some cocoa and coffee.  We decided we would just go down the road to Tim Hortons.  We got there and found out they closed at 2.  The drive through was open, but we were on foot.  

We walked a block and were back at Debbie and Jeff's house.  We said our goodbyes, then we left and decided to go to Coco Loco's, Hailey and my favorite Mexican Restaurant....  Bill's too now.  We had fun there, then we took Hailey home and we headed home.  Bill and I finished the movie, The Hiding Place, then watched a Biography of Corrie Ten Boom on Amazon Prime.  What an amazing woman of faith and love she was.  Adam sent me a picture of his new bedroom being built.  He's so happy and I am super happy for him.  It's going to be so nice for him.  He also sent me a picture of two lambs (a set of triplets were born, but one didn't make it).  The two are so cute!  Kimmy and Jared's lambs like to come on the coldest days.  I had a nice talk with Melissa.  I love my family!

Friday, 12/28/22, Saw the eagle today, Face timed with Melissa and the boys, Went to Meijer

Me face timing with Evan...he was showing me all the neat stuff he made 

Jack face timing with me

Cute Riley...Max and Jack showed me how they can put a treat on her nose and she tosses it up and then eats it

Got new sheer curtains for the upstairs bedroom

Bill got up early to go meet Charlie for coffee.  I got ready and went to Meijer before it got busy.  I got the few things I needed, got Gayla's birthday present, and also got sheer curtains. On my way home, I looked at the eagles nest when I passed it and was disappointed that I didn't see the eagles.  After I got by it, the eagle flew right in front of me and was really low.  It was so beautiful.  When I got home and got the sheers all ready, Bill helped me hang them.  They looked so nice, I went back and got another set for the other window in the room.  Max face timed me and showed me how the dog they are watching can balance a treat on it's nose, throw it up, catch it and eat it.  He really loves the dog.  He said Abby is boring lol.  That's because Abby is older and likes to lay around.  He was cute and happy showing me Riley.  I tried to take a screenshot, but it didn't work.  I know he doesn't like his picture taken right now, so I didn't ask him to come back and let me take another one.  Evan and Jack got on with me after Max.  It was so nice face timing with them.  I gave Kit-Kat lots of attention and I put water in her heated water dish and plugged it in.  She will love having water that isn't freezing cold.  Bill's doing a great job bringing in bags of wood pellets for the kernel burner.  I will be glad when this freezing cold spell is over.  We watched the movie, The Hiding Place.  We heard a recording of Cory Ten Boom on the radio today, so we wanted to watch it again.  It's been a long time since we did.  What a sad and heart wrenching movie, but what a movie about great faith and what miracles God can do.  So sad that people can be so evil and uncaring.  I can't imagine going through that!  The Scripture is true...If we don't stand firm in our faith, we won't stand at all.  Thankful we can always call out to the Lord and know He is with us.  Nothing can separate us from God.  

 

1/27/22, Our Friend Kevin's funeral day!

 An old picture of Vicki, Iain, Meredith, Kevin and Rebecca I found...Kevin's funeral was today.  Thankful because we all know Jesus, it's not goodbye, but we'll see you later!

Iain and Meredith when they stayed with us while their mom and dad went on a trip.

I wrote this on my blog when Iain was staying with us.  Bill was teasing him because he was going to his relatives who live a ways away to stay at there place for the rest of the time Vicki and Kevin were gone

Jack and Iain

Iain and Bill after the funeral today.  Iain has grown tall quickly just like our Jack has.  Their voices have gotten really deep too.  Our kiddos are growing up fast!

A little warm up today, 28 degrees out, but windy again.  Better than -2 though.  Bill and I worked together on writing up notes on what he was going to say at Kevin's funeral today.  Vicki asked him to be one of the 3 speakers which was an honor.  The family was receiving visitors at the church from noon until 6 p.m. when the funeral started.  We went at around 12:45 and spent time with Vicki and the kids, letting them know we love them, care about them, and will be there if they need us.  Then we went into the church, went up to the casket, then sat down and watched the pictures on the screen.  It took an hour to see all the pictures.  They sure were nice to see, and brought back lots of memories.  Vicki had all of the ones from the Faith Riders pictures I sent her put on along with all the family ones.  We came home and ate, then went back for the funeral at 6.  It was such a nice funeral.  The speakers were all wonderful, the worship was amazing and Brian Pruitt gave a great message and had people raise their hand who wanted to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  We had our heads bowed and many raised their hands.  We sang a couple more worship songs.  The worship singer did an awesome job leading us into worship.  Her voice was amazing and she  

led in a way that was easy to follow.  The songs were amazing!  All of us from Faith Riders sat together.  Vikki and Rody sat ahead of us.  When it was over, Vikki and I both said it was the nicest funeral we have been to.  Kevin's life was honored, the Lord was glorified and the Holy Spirit moved and people's hearts were touched.  Bill did a great job sharing about Kevin, our friendship, Kevin's ministry in the Him Ministry and in Faith Riders, his love for the Lord and his love for people.  He added some funny memories which made everyone laugh.  People really clapped when he was finished.  We sure will miss having Kevin in our lives. We are thankful for all the memories we have made and will cherish.