Sunday, 8/21/22, Went to church, Out to eat with Debbie and Jeff afterward, went to see baby Brielle, went to see Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames in St. Louis

 

Very close to 3 inches of rain in the rain gauge yesterday

Beautiful Butterfly Weed 

I trimmed this Limelight Hydrangea down in the spring and thought it might not blossom, but it has more blossoms than ever on it this year.

Kit Kat always jumps up by me when I sit on the swing.  She's such a good kitty!

Bill holding Brielle for the first time

Me holding Brielle for the first time

Bill and Pastor Rex under the tent where they had Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames...he was our pastor when we went to Amazing Grace.

Lots of people there for the first night of 4. Bill and I are on the far left

We went to prayer then into worship and the church service.  Pastor gave a great message this morning.  Maddy and Alec brought their baby to church for the first time.  It was wonderful to actually get to see her in person.  Maddy put her little sweater on her with the Marine Corp. Emblem on her.  She told me yesterday she was having her wear it for Bill.  Maddy's mom made it.  After church, we went to Coty's with Debbie and Jeff Davis.  We had a really nice visit and the food was delicious.  

We came home and I talked to Melissa for a while. Hailey and Bruce went to the church Hailey will be attending while at college.  They both loved it.  They have a special weekly service for college students, and they also have a families that adopt a college students while they are there in college.  So nice.  Hailey knows some friends from BayShore who attend there too.  God is answering lots of prayers for Hailey's college experience to keep her close to Him.  So thankful she loves Him and this is a priority.  I love my Hailey girl!

We took short naps, then I started preparing potatoes to cook on the grilled.  I also grilled chicken, made string beans, and made brownies.  We took some food to Maddy and Alec and got to hold sweetie Brielle.  What a beautiful baby.  She was such a good baby too.  She's a little miracle we are very thankful for.  

We stopped home quick, then went to St. Louis.  We went to the Tent of Meeting and saw Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames.  We saw Pastor Rex and Pastor Rick who are brothers and started this tent ministry.  God is blessing it and providing for it in an amazing way.  There were so many youth there helping and being in the play.  19 people went forward to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior afterward.  It was awesome to see.  Next weekend they are having a youth weekend under the tent.  They showed a video of the last one in Bay City and it was awesome.  God is moving in a mighty way!

Sat., 8/20/22, Took Wes and Gayla's van to Meijer for them, Went to St. Louis Church of God Campground, Lunch in St. Louis, Ice Cream in Merrill

 

Barb B. on left in front, Me, Barb Bates, Luis

Ron, Barb, Luis, Barb Bates, me, and Bill

Ron and Barb, Luis, Barb Bates, me and Dan

Bill, Ron, and Luis had the opportunity to pray for someone.  

We got up early, got ready, then took Wes and Gayla's van to Meijer for them.  I told Bill a few times to text Wes to see when they were getting back, but he didn't get to it.  We headed to St. Louis after that.  It was raining hard, so Bill decided to ride with me in the car instead of taking the bike.  We had the car all packed with the canopy and CMA literature and things to hand out.  We stopped at Tim Horton's and picked up a dozen donuts.  I also got a bagel with cream cheese to eat while I drank my coffee.  We got to the Church of God campground, and Barb and Ron had just got there, so we talked to them.  Ron just had surgery on his hip a couple of weeks ago.  He went right home instead of to rehab and is doing amazing.  Barb got there next, then Luis.  We met a guy named Dan who stayed at our booth all day.  All of them were such blessings and helped so much.  We had many opportunities to talk with people, witness and pray.  This was the last big gathering for the Gold Wing Club as they are done being a club.  We encouraged people to join CMA.  We walked around the campground with Luis, and then walked out to the tent out front.  Our former pastor and his brother who is also a pastor are having a tent revival.  They are having lots of youth, act in Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames.  We have seen this a few times and it is very moving and makes it very clear that we need to make a decision to believe in Jesus and follow him.  We went in and found Pastor Rick and he was very happy to see us.  We talked to him for a while, then Bill told him we may be back tomorrow night to watch it.  He said to let him know if we are there.  We have gone to his church a few times.  He is an amazing worshipper on the piano.  

We went to lunch at a really good restaurant in St. Louis.  Dan watched the booth for us while we went.  Luis headed home to take care of his dog.  We stayed for a couple more hours, then it looked like rain, so we packed everything up and headed home.  Bill and I stopped at the Merrill Dairy Bar for ice cream cones on the way home.  Yum!  Gayla had texted me and told me they don't get home until tomorrow night at 9 p.m.  I told Bill, so even though Gayla said we could leave the van there, Bill wanted to pick it up.  It was really pouring out, but we went and picked it up.  When we got there, the rain stopped long enough, for us to get out of the vehicles and in to our driver positions.  Then on the way home it started pouring again.  We got 3 inches in our rain gauge.  Our garden needed it and so did our plants.  I am really happy for the farmers, and am thanking the Lord for rain for their crops.  

Friday, 8/19/22, Brielle got to go home, Took Peyton and Isaac home, Went to cousin Jack's memorial

 

A very happy day...Baby Brielle got to go home from the NICU today

My cousin Jack's memorial service at Great Lakes Cemetery...My cousin, Jim in turquoise, his wife Julie, son Steve and girlfriend in front of us.

Luncheon at Jack's house, (now Steve's House) afterward

My great niece's little guy.  He looks just like my sister, Linda, and my nephew Mark when they were babies...so cute!

Really tall sunflowers this year

I got up early because I knew Hailey had to leave early for BayShore, and I wanted to see her off.  She didn't want any breakfast, so just got ready and we said goodbye.  I sure am glad she could stay with us last night.  She will be off to college next week.  Sure will miss her.  I went and picked up a paper from Vikki's doctor for her.  Then I came home and read the Love Chapter in the Bible to Peyton and Isaac.  We packed their stuff in the car and left at about 10:30 to take them home.  Stopped and got a car wash on our way.  I'm glad Bill drives through them for me.  I went in to see Vikki for a few minutes.  Lucy jumped right on her and hurt her.  I had to get Bill to come in and help her sit up.  Poor Vikki.  Lucy doesn't usually even jump up on furniture.  We headed to Great Lakes National Cemetery after that. The service was very short...a flag folding, Jack's Brother Jim said a few words, then they told them it was time we needed to leave because another funeral was coming.  Move em in and move em out!!!  There was no chaplain or pastor present.  Very weird.  We went to Jack's house for grilled burgers and salads.  Had a nice talk with my cousin Jim.  Jack left his house to their son, Steve, who had moved in and took care of Jack 5 years.  Now Steve is having his mom and dad who are in their 80's, move in with him so he can take care of them.  He is a very caring person.  He greeted me with a big hug.  I haven't seen him since he was a little kid.  The burger was rare...YUK!  I ate the salad's and very edge of the burger that was cooked good, then left the rest.  Bill didn't take one of the cooked burgers because they had cheese melted on them.  He waited and made sure Steve's son cooked his well done.  Smart guy I married.  I sat next to Aunt Pat on the Slasinski side.  I remember her from when I was a kid.  We talked a lot and she shared about her husband's brain surgery, and then about their accident where a drunk driver hit them.  They have been having many health issues since then.  I asked if I could pray for her and she wanted me to right there in the living room.  I am continuing to pray for her and her husband Jim.  

We left and headed home.  We were looking for an ice cream place and found a Dairy Queen in Grand Blanc.  I got a banana split and Bill got a hot fudge sundae.  I just wanted something to make me forget that rare burger.  This did the trick.  

I talked with Vikki, Melissa and Kimmy and texted my daily texting with Adam.

Thurs., 8/18/22, Vikki had her surgery, all went really well the dr. said, We picked, shucked, and froze the corn, Stopped to see Vikki, went to the fair

Isaac and Peyton were sure good helpers

Isaac, Peyton and Papa helping shuck the corn

Jack and Hailey stopped in before they went to the fair.  Hailey borrowed my fanny pack to wear on the rides so she wouldn't lose her keys or money.  

Nice apples coming on our apple tree finally.  It's been 2 years.

Jacob, Hailey, Adam, Jack and Eli at the Fair

Isaac, Peyton, and Papa at Culvers

Peyton when we stopped to see her mom

Isaac when we went to see Vikki

Adam, Eli, Isaac, Papa and Peyton in the parking lot after the fair

Bill, Kimmy, me, silly Jared, and Peyton watching the auction

Eli getting ready to show his sheep for the auction

Eli showing his sheep in the auction

Jacob getting ready to show his sheep in the auction

Adam waiting to show his sheep in the auction

Hailey and Peyton had lots of fun watching Little House.  Peyton was sure happy when Hailey wanted to spend the night here with her

I didn't sleep good last night.  I prayed a lot for Vikki's surgery this morning.  Rody called and said they took her up to do it at 9:30.  Peyton, Isaac and I picked the garden.  We heard from Rody that the surgery went perfectly.  We were all so happy and thanked God.   Bill came home with the grass catcher and picked up the grass.  It worked great.  We got the corn picked and shucked.  Bill and the kids did great helping.   Peyton and I took some corn, tomatoes and peppers back to the neighbor.  We went to Culver's and ate lunch and had concrete mixers, then came home and cooked the corn, cut it off the cob and put it in the freezer.  Got the kitchen cleaned up, then delivered corn to Melissa for their family.  Also gave her some freezer packages of corn.  We went to Vikki's next, because we got sweatshirts incase the kids got cold at the fair.  We were leaving, but then Rody came out to the car and said Vikki was awake.  He had us come back in the house.  She came downstairs and we got to talk to her.  She told me the doctor tricked her.  She was talking to the anesthesiologist and couldn't remember anything after that.  She was so serious and funny.  

We dropped corn off at Maddy and Alec's next, then headed home.  Breille comes home tomorrow.  Yay!  We got home and we went to the fair.  We found Kimmy and Jared and sat with them while we watched the boys show their sheep for the auction.  Jacob and Eli got $6.00 a lb. and Adam got $7.00 a lb for his sheep.  They all did a great job.

Jared took Jacob to his music lesson in Midland and Kimmy, Adam, Eli, Bill, Peyton, Isaac and I walked through the Merchant building and the 4 H building.  We were so happy when Adam texted and said he was coming back to walk with us, then Eli did too.  We had lots of fun.  We came home, and Hailey got here to hang out.  We had some snacks and watched some Little Houses.  

Wed., 8/17/22, Picked Jack and Evan up from Kimmy's, Went on motorcycle ride to Sterling with Sandusky Chapter, Peyton and Isaac spent the night, praying for Vikki's surgery tomorrow

 

Jacob

Adam and Evan

Eli, Jacob and Jack (with Steve)

Jack, Evan and Melissa.  Jack and Evan tested negative and are able to go home.  Yay!  Bruce tested negative too!

Bill and I on our ride

Met up with the Sandusky Chapter in Bay City to ride with them

Bill, Linda, Debbie, Paul, Konnie, Gary, Jackie, Dave and Berlin at Iva's Chicken Dinner's in Sterling

Peyton and Isaac playing 3-13....Papa got home from the Marine Corp League, so we started over so he could play with us.  We have to finish our game tomorrow.

Isaac and Peyton

Evan tested negative this morning, so I went to pick up him and Jack from Kimmy's before Kimmy and the boys had to be at the fair.  They sure had fun at Kimmy and Jared's.  A big thank you Kimmy and Jared for having them stay with you to keep Melissa safe and making it so fun for them.   I heard all about their fun time at Kimmy's and at the fair yesterday on the ride home.  When we got to Melissa's, they were all so happy to see each other.  Bruce and Max came home from dog camp for a couple of hours and they were all together.  Yay!

Bill and I went on the motorcycle to meet the Sandusky chapter in Bay City.  We rode with them to Sterling and ate at Iva's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.  The food was delicious and we had a great time visiting.  There was one dark cloud we noticed, and sure enough it rained while we were eating.  It was just a short shower and then the sun came out again.  Bill and I headed home because he had to be at the Marine Corp. League meeting.  

Maddy posted a prayer request because Alec lost his job today.  Their baby is still in the NICU.  I encouraged her with Scripture and prayed for them.  She let me know baby Brielle got off the feeding tube today.  Then I found out from Bill that Justin from church got Alec a job where he works.  Talk about the Lord working quickly.  So thankful for these huge blessings.  

Vikki and Rody dropped Peyton and Isaac off to spend the night.  Vikki had us pray over her for her surgery tomorrow.  She is having a hysterectomy.  All prayer is appreciated.  We had fun playing 3-13 with Peyton and Isaac.  They sure are good at adding their scores now.  We had M & M's for a snack.  Peyton had a few chicklot chops too.  We watched the 12 Dogs of Christmas afterward.  So much fun having these two spend the night.  Sure am blessed with a wonderful family that I love so much!

Talked and face timed with Hailey and Melissa.  Evan decided to play soccer.  He didn't want to be pressured to play.  He said he tried at BayShore and wasn't good.  We told him when you are on a team and have a coach, they teach you how to play.  Jack said he wasn't pressuring him, he was forcing him lol.  We ended up praying that he would think about it and maybe give it a try and asked God to help him.  Melissa let me know he decided to play and went to practice and loved it.  Yay!

Tues., 8/16/22, Spent the day school and dorm shopping with Hailey and Melissa...so much fun!

 

Me and Hailey at Coco Loco's eating our favorite meal...Beef and Bean Nachos...1/2 order each
This is what happens when you go to the bathroom and leave your phone on the table ha ha!

Hailey shopping

Me, Hailey and Melissa in Kohls

Melissa, Hailey and I with Old Navy in the background

Read my Bible out on the deck.  It was a beautiful morning.  I walked down the steps of the deck to go turn on the pool filter, and two young deer came running by me only about 5 feet from me.  They sure scared me.  They ran back to the neighbors.  I wish I would have my camera ready.  Kit Kat didn't even move off the swing.  

I left to pick up Hailey for school shopping and lunch.  I stopped at Walmart first to get a flower pot that you can water from the bottom for Melissa's peace plant.  Mine do so good watering them from the bottom.  I couldn't find any potting soil, so will have to get some of that before we can transplant it.  I picked Hailey up at Melissa's and we went to the Mall and walked through some stores.  She only found one top she liked there.  We went to Coco Loco's at 11:30 for lunch.  We came back to my house so I could show Hailey some dishes I have so she could see if she wanted a few for her dorm.  She did, so we packed those up.  Melissa wanted us to wait and pick her up after that, so we headed to get her.  We stopped at McDonalds, and Melissa got some food and both of us got free Frappe's.  Hailey didn't want one.  After that,  we went to Target, Kohl's, Old Navy, Bath and Body Works and TJ Max.  Hailey ended up finding lots of nice things to wear and also things for her dorm.  It's always so much fun shopping with her each year.  I saw some outfits that looked like what I wore when I was in high school.  I showed them to Hailey and of course she kind of laughed at the styles.  Plaids and pleats were in back then.  It sure brought back memories of my grandma taking me school shopping.  We were sure happy Melissa could go with us again this year.  She's so much fun to have along.  We all had such a nice time.  When we got back to Melissa's, we went through everything with Hailey again and we watched her open up her Amazon packages with her dorm stuff in it.  I came home and set the live trap and staked it in this time.  It tipped the cage over last night and got the food without getting caught.  I am out smarting it tonight.  We ate goulash, then I ran Melissa and Hailey some to have.  Bill decided to cut the lawn after we ate.  Vikki, Peyton and Isaac stopped over to get her chair and get the fair money we had for them.  We always give each grandkid who goes to the fair $20.  We used to all go, but because of Melissa and Bruce camping during fair time, and Covid, we haven't been able to go.  It was nice today that Vikki and the twins, and Kimmy and her boys and Jack and Evan got to go ride the rides.  Jacob went with his friends today.

Listened to good worship music in the evening.  Amazing worship!