Friday, 2/11/22, Went to Kimmy's, took food to Beemers, went to Applebees with Bill

Jacob and Wyatt 

Vikki and Kimmy working hard in the cold to sand all 70 card holders Bill made

Two of the sweetest and most hardworking daughters ever!

Me staining card holders

Adam, Peyton and Isaac...first time Peyton and Isaac have been in his new room

Isaac, Peyton, Eli and Bo

These are all of our finished card holders

Kimmy's set....Eli picked the one with the screw hole because he said it had character.  Jacob said he wouldn't use a card holder lol.  He must take after his two grandpas.

Adam and Jacob playing a game together on their computers

Adam

Me and Jacob

Beautiful new cat addition to the Russell farm

Good Ole Frank

I put on good worship music this morning.  Made oatmeal and tea, then did my reading.  Vikki and the kids picked me up at around 11:15.  The kids only had a half day today, so we all headed to Kimmy's.  We took the 70 card holders Bill made with us so we could sand and stain them.  I found out on the way there, that Jacob and Eli didn't have school because of the snow and drifting from the high winds.  What a bonus day getting to have them there when we visit.  Poor Adam had school.  Kimmy had her yummy brown rice all ready almost when we got there and Vikki cooked the broccoli for on it.  It was a super delicious lunch.  Kimmy showed us Adam's new ceiling light in his room and his new lock for his door.  Very cool!  

I texted Bill's sister, Debbie, because I heard last night that she has been sick for a couple of weeks.  I was letting her know I love her and am praying and also wanted to know if she was up to a phone call or needed anything.  I got a text back from a friend of hers, who said Debbie is staying at a Condo so her son Matthew doesn't catch this.  She is taking care of her and said Debbie was weak, dizzy, having horrible headaches, had been tested twice for Covid and doesn't have it, that the doctor might put her in the hospital, that she loved me and to keep praying.  I sure would appreciate prayers for her.  

Kimmy and Vikki started sanding out on the deck and then brought them to me to stain.  Isaac was a great help bringing them in to me, and being our photographer.  Such a great kiddo!  Peyton, Eli and Isaac all had fun playing together too.  Fun cousin day at the farm! When it was time to pick Adam up, Jacob and I went to get him, so Kimmy and Vikki could finish sanding the rest of the card holders.  Jacob handled the music, he played Christian songs that he had downloaded and we don't hear on the radio much any more.  It was so much fun listening to him sing and remember all of the words to every song.  Adam was happy to see us and came waving and saying hi as he got in the car.  On the way home, Jacob was also my backseat driver in the front seat.  He told me, after I went through a yellow light, that yellow lights mean to speed up.  I already knew that ha ha.  I told him I bet his mom stops for yellow lights and his dad goes through them lol.  We had a fun time riding and talking.  When we got to their house, the girls were done sanding and we all finished staining.  It was fun all working together, but we sure were glad when we had our 30 minutes of resting and drinking our hot tea before it was time to leave.  Jared came home, looked at the card holders and said he like the dark color best, then changed and headed with the trailer to get animal food.  Vicki B. had texted me that tonight would be good for me to pick up food for them if it worked for me.  I was so happy to be able to help them out while they are going through so much.  She gave me the order, so I could call it in when I was ready to leave Kimmy's and then pick it up.  When Vikki dropped me off at home, I took my stuff in the house, then left right away to pick up the food order at Buffalo Wild Wings.  I dropped it off and she gave me a tour of their new house.  I hadn't seen it yet because the moved right as Covid was starting.  It is a beautiful home and she is a wonderful friend.  The kids were happy to see me and I was happy to see them.  Bill and I went to Applebees around 7:15 and ate dinner.  It wasn't busy at that time.  Our salad was amazing and our chicken strips and mashed potatoes were yummy.  We used part of our gift Card Charlie and Sue gave us for Christmas.  We still have enough on it to go there again.  We got our jammies on and Bill sat in the loveseat before me and had my electric throw on and my spot was all warmed up.  Thankful for all of the little meaningful things.  I opened the mail and got a very sweet card from Kenzie and lots of cute things to put in my journal as I do it.  It was a precious loving note from her.  She sure made her nana happy and touched my heart. Bill and I also got a very cute Valentine card from my BFF Vikki and her hubby.  Such a fun and special day.

 

Thurs., 2/10/22, Kenzie came over, went to Faith Riders Meeting

 

Kit-Kat when I pulled into the garage

Kit-Kat on my windshield wanting me to get out of the car or her to get in the car

Kenzie with Kit-Kat

Bill met Charlie for coffee.  I got up after he finished his shower, gave him a kiss good morning, then took my shower.  I made oatmeal and coffee for breakfast.  I picked up the rest of the things I needed to get for Super Bowl Sunday.  Bill brought me a blueberry muffin home, which I had for lunch.  It was yummy!  He spent most of the afternoon out in the shed.  He made 70 card holders.  Wow!!! 

Kenzie called a vet near her, and told me her cat had a Botfly.  They told her they would try to get it out, but if they couldn't they would need to do surgery and it would cost $500.  We prayed for God to help and that it would come out right away.  Travis didn't want to pay that much for an outside cat, so we called Kimmy and she was going to meet Kenzie at my house to see if she could help the cat.  Meantime, Kenzie called her other grandma, and she insisted Kenzie meet her at her vet.  Kenzie did and it wasn't a Botfly, the cat had just got a scratch and dug at it.  They gave him the medicine he needed, then her Omi got wanted Kenzie to have his shots and dewormer.  She blessed Kenzie with taking care of that part though because it was what she wanted.  God answered us better than we could have imagined.  So much answered prayer this week.  Kenzie stopped here after the vet so she could see Kit-Kat.  At first Kit-Kat came in the door and went past Kenzie and came to me.  Then Kenzie picked her up and she was happy to see her and enjoyed getting all of the attention Kenzie gave her.  Kenzie trimmed her nails for me, while I was trying to keep her calm.  I went out to see Z when Kenzie left.  He's such a pretty cat.  I'm so glad everything worked out so good, and I was able to let Kimmy know she didn't need to come now.  

Bill and I went to our Faith Riders Meeting.  Bill had some things he had to share from the leadership of CMA.  It was a really good meeting and the new president, Lew, did great.  His wife is taking over my position as Webmaster now too.  I was going to continue, but Ziggy said he didn't want me to as he just wants Bill and I to oversee the 4 chapters that are ours, not be in a position or be an officer. Vicki came which was hard for her because of Kevin's death, but we were all so happy to see her there.  We took up an offering for her and she broke down crying when Lew handed it to her.  Everybody loves her and it was very moving.  I talked to Melissa a few times, Kimmy a few times and also Vikki.  Got my daily texts from Adam.

  

Wed., 2/9/22, Walked 1 and 1/2 miles, Went to Walmart with Bill, then to Melissa's, Bill made cardholders, Kim Reminder dropped off goodies

 

Shannon thanked me for her birthday card and sent me this Birthday picture of her on her birthday with her family.  She sent me such a sweet text with it.  I love her and she sure has a special place in my heart.  

Kim, a friend from church, left sweet surprises at our front door!  She is always so kind and thoughtful to everyone.  Her husband is still in the hospital and is the same.  It's been 20 days and she can't see him and only gets to take to him once a week.  We are continuing to pray.

Bill made this really nice card holder.  It fits nicely in front of you and holds the cards easily.  He put felt circles on the bottom so it slides easily too. Great job Bill!  

I tested Bill's card holder out and I like it better than the ones we bought.  He had -4 and I had -3 when at the end when we started the Ace round.   He went out and won,-14 to 10. We always say....winner picks up lol.  That's some consolation.

An opossum enjoying birdseed on the ground.  Now I am wondering if it shook the bird feeder and it wasn't the deer.  I need a night-time video camera.

This was 2 hours later and it was still eating

Max

Jack and Evan

Jack

I got up early to walk on the treadmill.  I walked a mile and a half.   I put on good worship music while I walked.  When I was done, I made coffee for Bill, Mint tea and oatmeal for me.  Bill had Raisin Bran Crunch again.  We did our Bible reading.  I talked to Melissa for a while in the morning.  We went to Walmart and to Melissa's.   Vikki texted me to let me know she had to go into work early because her boss had a medical reaction.  Bruce was working from home, so everyone except Hailey was there when we got to their house.  Melissa told everyone we were there, and Max came out the front door right away with Bruce.  Jack and Evan came out in the garage door.  Max started talking with Papa right away and of course I got my picture of Max.  Bruce, Max and Bill talked by the porch and Melissa, Jack, Evan and I talked by the garage.  We surprised them with doughnuts which Melissa told me they loved.  I loved being able to see the boys and visit while having it be so nice outside.  The boys had to get back to their school work, so we left.  We picked up a gift card from Kroger and then headed home.  

I let Kit-Kat outside because it was nice.  A while later, I saw an opossum out by the bird feeder.  Then I noticed Kit-Kat following it.  It made me nervous, so I called Kit-Kat and she came right away.  The opossum stayed right where it was which surprised me because I was calling the cat from the sliding glass door which was pretty close.  I had to read up on cats and opossums.  Google said it's rare for one to attack a cat.  Bill had been in the shed, and he came in and showed me the card holder he had made.  He made a few of them.  They are so nice.  I'm glad I didn't order more online.  These are better.

I texted Hailey when she got out of school to invite her to come to our house for Super Bowl Sunday!  She's happy to be coming and we are happy to have her.  She Adam texted me to let me know the power all over Midland went out while he was at youth group.  He texted me on his way home, and let me know when he saw houses with lights on.  He said it was a very dark ride until then.  I saw that a transformer had to be replaced and would be done by 10:30.  I am glad the Russells had power.  Kimmy texted me to let me know the lamb was nursing now.  I am so happy about that...for the lamb, the momma and Kimmy.  I talked to Kenzie a couple of times today and messaged with her.  Talked to Melissa while I was messaging Kenzie.  Vikki texted me to let me know to pray for Peyton because she had a side ache.  I am always happy to pray.  It was a talking/texting kind of day and a great day that the Lord has made.  

Tues., 2/8/22, Worked on family genealogy for Ahmeh, Much answered prayer, more blossoms on paperwhites

Max with Loki, the dog who Max loved and wanted his mom and dad to adopt for him.   He loves working at the Animal Shelter and helping all of the dogs

Claire with her birthday card we sent her.  Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

My paperwhites got another blossom.  One more is coming too.  Fun to watch!

Bill and Charlie went for coffee.  I made oatmeal and had tea this morning.  I had a nice talk with Melissa today.  Also talked to Kimmy and asked her how the lamb was doing.  She said it was still unable to walk.  Jared and her tied her legs so they can't just flop out.  I told her to just let me know how she was doing, because I didn't want to keep calling her.  A while later I got a video of the lamb standing and even walking though she was a little wobbly.  I was so happy.  We had much answered prayer this morning and spent lots of time praising and thanking God.  He is so awesome!  Only He could answer in such amazing ways!  

I emptied the ash pan and also the ash vacuum.  I opened the back garage door, and Kit-Kat followed me outside.  She wanted to stay outside, so I moved her food, water and bed outside.  This is the first time she hasn't jumped up to the window and wanted in, or meowed at the door.  She loved it outside and went under the deck, but every time I called her, she came running to the door.  What a good kitty.  While she was enjoying the outdoors, I cleaned the kernel burner, then started it.  Bill brought a couple of bags of wood pellets in.

I brought Kit-Kat in and gave her attention a few times today.  Then I worked on typing up some things I am sending to Ahmeh that she wanted.  I bird watched for a while.  Lots of different kinds of birds here again today.  The deer were after my thistle seed feeder again last night.  Lots of seed on the ground, but lots of birds cleaning it up on the ground too.

Good day today!  I talked with Kimmy, Melissa a couple of times and Vikki and got a great text from Adam telling me when he is off from school and asking if he can spend the night sometime.  Of course the answer was yes!   It's always a yes for that!  I can't wait!

Monday, 2/7/22, Fun day at Kimmy's

Having my hot tea in a tumbler of Kimmy's with a cozy Kenzie got for me

Wyatt was super excited to see me today.  I sat in this chair and held him, then had to get up for a minute.  He jumped in the chair and smiled like this at me for a long time as if to say ha ha it's my chair now!  I love my Wyatt!

Eli trying to show me how to play Simon Says...I'm not so good at it he found out

Eli brought the lambs to show me

I loved seeing all of the lambs and the sheep too. 

Me holding Daisy's twins

Thought this picture was funny with the lambs tongue out

Eli with Koala and Bo

Eli and I giving Bo some love and attention

Eli, Bo and me

Jacob and me

Adam in his new room

We ate Raisin Bran Crunch (the noisy cereal) today.  Bill had coffee and I had mint tea.  It was a day of changes for me for breakfast.  Jack called me and I put him on speaker.  He wanted to tell me about a text he sent me last night.  He said when he wanted to write, I can't wait to meet Kit-Kat, spell check changed it to, I want to eat Kit-Kat.  We all had a good laugh over that.  He sent it to me after he corrected it to read meet.  We talked for a while, then I knew he had to start school work so I told him Gtg....got to go.  He taught me that in his text last night.  What would I do without my grandkids???  I sat down and started reading my Bible when Kimmy called and told me Blanch had her lamb.  Happy news!  She invited me to come over since Adam's room was done, Eli was off school, and Jacob only had a half day.  I got ready and then headed to Kimmy's.  I loved seeing Adam's room in person.  It's so nice and it's got everything he needs in it.  They really did an amazing job.  We ate muffins and drank our coffee while we visited and Eli showed me a few videos that were really good.  He showed me his room that he has all to himself now too.  

We went out to the barn to check on the new lamb, and for me to see all of the lambs and Bo.  The new lamb is so cute, but when it was born, Kimmy said it stood on its own, and now it was laying flat with all legs out to the side.  Kimmy and Eli fed it and Kimmy helped it stand, but it still couldn't stand on its own.  Blanch didn't lick her lamb off, so it was still wet.  Kimmy wiped it down with a towel. and put it in a warm pile of hay to lay down.  We went out to see Bo and he didn't want to come out of his lean to because it was snowing out. Eli went and got him and we gave Bo some good treats.   Eli brought him into the stall in the barn so we could be warm and pet him.  He is such a nice horse!  So much fun on the farm.

We went and picked up Jacob from school.  Kimmy drove and the back roads were a little slippery, but the main roads were good.  We got a little ways and Kimmy saw that Thor the cat was traveling with us in the van.  I was happy to see Jacob when he got in the van.  I always love spending time with grandkids.  We went back to Kimmy's and Kimmy and I went in the barn to check on the lamb.  It still was all sprawled out and not able to stand.  We fed it again, then Kimmy worked with having it stand again.  It doesn't want to put any weight on it legs.  She warmed it up and made a nice soft hay spot for it to lay in.  It's mom did lick it some so that was good.  We went back in the house.  I sure did pray for this lamb and will continue.  

Eli made us macaroni and cheese for lunch.  He did a great job and it tasted delicious.  We visited more, than left to pick Adam up from school.  I drove my car this time and it quit snowing and the roads were great.  Kimmy looked and I was going 67 mph.  It sure didn't feel like it. Of course I listened to my daughter and slowed down right away.  I put it on cruise control after that. I was probably going slow compared to Jared ha ha.  We talked to Vikki while we drove there. We picked Adam up (a little late because I missed a turn) (we still had to wait for him though lol.)  I was happy to see him and we had fun talking on the way home.  When we got home, Adam showed me his room and got up on his bed.  He sure is happy with his own room and so is Eli.  They are so cute.  

I talked to Melissa a few times for a long time, and also talked to Vikki a couple of times.  Did my daily texting with Adam.  Bill had to go to Trinity Riders to present some CMA leadership info.  When he got home we relaxed on our loveseat recliner.  I love my grandkids and I sure do pray lots for them.

Sunday, 2/6/22, Went to church, took Stacie's birthday present to her, worked on CMA state website

 

Beautiful sunrise coming through the window

Kit-Kat enjoying her morning meal

Kit-Kat playing with her toy.  She loves it in this cage in the house

Stacie opening her birthday present....shower curtain she wanted for their camper from online, and liquid hand soap, a small plaque that says "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine", and a scrubby from from Mennonite store. 

Kody...a smile starting to come lol

Kody with his caramel apple sucker....he was trying not to smile

Isaac 

Peyton

Vikki can braid so well now.  These kind of braids are hard to do

We went to our prayer groups, Bill with the Elders praying for Pastor and the service, and me going to intercessory prayer.  Then we went into the service.  The worship was awesome and we took communion which is always special.  When I went to open the wafer, the juice foil peeled back instead.  Bill was nice and took it from me to try to get the wafer out without spilling the juice.  He was having a hard time, so I was praying for him, then he got it.  He had handed his to me.  Somehow after all of this, he spilled the juice.  After communion, he went into the bathroom and tried to wash the grape juice out, which only made him look like he wet his pants lol.  I had to go out with the kids when they were dismissed because I was helping in kids church, so I didn't see Bill when he came back into church.  He told me later that he was trying to fan his pants so they wouldn't look wet.  When it was time to go up to pray, he pulled his heavy fleece top down as far as he could.

Poor guy, and all he was trying to do was help me.  

After church we came home and had eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast for brunch.  We both took short naps after that, then we went to take Stacie her Birthday gift.  We have been waiting because she wanted to be safe and do it when Kody hadn't been to his Karate class, and we were being careful because of going to Iowa.  We all are vacinated, but Covid is spreading so fast, we didn't want to take chances.  It was so nice seeing them.  She loved her birthday gift, and was happy to get the shower curtain she picked out that matches her towels I got her for Christmas.  She is always so sweet and very caring.  

I texted with Adam this morning, then talked to Melissa when I got home from church, then talked with Vicki in the evening.  Bill and I snacked on carrots tonight.  We are trying to eat healthier.  We haven't been doing too good lately.  Vikki told me she bought carrots to have as snacks too.  

We are going to watch a movie.  I just need to find a good wholesome one.