Wed.,12/14/22, beautiful sunrise on our way for Bill’s colonoscopy, made butterhorns, went to Jack and Evan's Christmas program at Bethlehem

On our drive to the VA hospital this morning

Picture Sara Ann posted in Ellsworth

Bill in the recovery room after his colonoscopy.  Peyton and I always say in pictures if you hold the picture upside down papa is smiling lol.

Beautiful Poinsettia that came today from James and Diane, our friends from church

Evan ready to play his saxiphone in advanced band

Jack ready to play his French horn too

Evan in the choir

Jack and Evan singing in the choir during the Christmas play

Jack and Evan did amazing in the choir and band tonight!  Great job boys!

Evan going to get another cookie.  Max in the background visiting with his friends Jacob and Madeline.  Vader did amazing tonight and so did Max!

Evan and Jack

Bill, Evan, Jack and me

Love all my Christmas Cards from Bill's sister, Pam.  She painted the pictures of these birds.  She is so talented!  This year's card was mailed to us from England where they are visiting at their cottage there.

I made butterhorns today.  Our favorites!

 Only blossom opened, but one more is almost ready and 4 more are coming.  Not as many as I would like but still beautiful

We got up early today and headed to the VA hospital for Bill's colonoscopy.  The sunrise on the way was absolutely beautiful!  I was thinking of our niece in Ellsworth and how she was probably seeing the same sunrise up there, and how awesome God is.  Later on, I saw that she posted a picture of the sunrise that looked just as beautiful.  

We got to the hospital at 8 and they took Bill back to pre op right away.  The colonoscopy started at 9 and I got to go see him in recovery around 10:30.  I knitted a dishcloth while I was waiting and also walked down and looked in the gift shop.  He was a good boy this time and didn't try driving, but rested all day.  One time he tried driving a little while after he had one done and it wasn't good.  I guess he learned there is a reason they tell you not to drive the day of the procedure.  

I worked more on the butterhorns, cutting them, then putting the filling on, letting them rise and then baking them right before we had to leave for the Evan and Jack's Christmas program.  They got done and were cool enough to pack just in time.  I made chicken and baked potatoes while they were baking and we ate quick too.  Busy day!

We went to the boys Christmas program and it was really good and the boys did great.  I only wish they would have had more microphones for the people in the play because it was very hard to hear some of them.  It was a wonderful play too.  Afterwards, we took pictures and had cookies and punch.  Some of Max's friends came up and talked to him and liked his dog.  

When I got home, I made frosting and frosted the butterhorns and sprinkled nuts on them.

Bill and I tested one of course.  

Tues., 12/13/22, did some cleaning, went and did more Christmas shopping, Bill started preparing for his colonoscopy tomorrow, I went to prayer

 Did our morning routine.   Bill took the garbage out, then went out to the shed to work. I wrapped all the presents that Amazon delivered in the past few days.   Then I went to Hobby Lobby and Target to shop and to Culver's for lunch.  I decided to eat out because Bill has to fast starting at noon for his colonoscopy.  When I was at Culver's, a really nice kid waited on me.  He was so cheerful and polite.  When he ran my food out, he was smiling and just so nice.  I told him he made my day, and thanked him for his friendly and happy attitude.  Nice to see a young kid be so kind.  

Did some cleaning around the house.  Got a grocery list ready for Christmas party on Sat.  Vikki called me and told me a security guard that works at the school she works at, gave her $20 and told her his church gave money to them and told them to give it to someone.  He chose her and told her to buy a turkey, a ham or whatever she needed.  He picked Vikki out of the 4 lunch ladies standing there.  She is always so kind and friendly.  She waves to him when he's sitting across the room until he waves to her.  God uses her to touch lives and now he used someone to touch hers.  I was so happy for her.  Then she turned around and picked a ham up and brought it to our house for Christmas dinner on Sat. to go with the turkey we have.  So sweet of her.  I am proud of her.  She is always so generous. 

I went to prayer at church in the evening.  Good worship and prayer time. 

I didn't take any pictures today.  

 

Monday, 12/11/22, donated blood, wrapped gifts, sent cards out, went to get flu shot, went shopping with Melissa

Our friend, Melissa, had her baby yesterday.  She is so beautiful!  She's such a blessing from the Lord and will be so loved.!

My Christmas Cactus is starting to blossom.  Love it when it's in blossom!

Bill went for coffee with Charlie.  I talked to Sue one the phone for a long time.  I was happy to hear from Jacob that he’s feeling better. Vikki is feeling much better too.  Thanking Jesus!!!   I mailed a birthday card out and a couple of sympathy cards out.  Prayed for those families before sending them.  Charlie bought me a blueberry muffin.  I was so happy when Bill gave it to me. That was so sweet of Charlie.

Bill and I did our Bible reading and devotions.  Time with God in His Word is the best!  Just finished Ephesians and now reading in Luke.  

Bill and I ate our left overs from Coco Loco.  We just added more chips.  I texted Hailey and she said her Chemistry Exam was alright.  She wasn't looking forward to it, so I told her I would be praying.  I was happy to hear alright.  

I went to Rite Aid with Melissa and got my flu shot.  We only saw a couple of people in the store and there was no one in the pharmacy.  I asked if I could get a flu shot and the guy said, "We are kind of overwhelmed".  I said a quick prayer and Melissa and I were both thinking they didn't look too overwhelmed.  He said I could get it and handed me the paperwork to fill out.  It only took 2 minutes, and I sure was happy to get it done.  He didn't even put a bandaid on it.  Vikki said she went to the Bay Rd. store to get her free covid tests.  They weren't busy either, but the guy said they were overwhelmed.  Both our guys were foreign so we are wondering if they were the same guy on different days in different stores.  Funny!  Melissa and I went shopping at Meijer and the Dollar Tree after we left Rite Aid.  She needed to get things for secret angels at school for the boys, and I had to pick up some flour and some cards.

Kimmy sent me a video of Adam playing Futsal.  I was so happy to see him having fun with friends playing a game again.  Will be happy when he goes to his appointment with the Neurologist on the 15th.  Hopefully, he will have wisdom to help Adam get over his concussion symptoms.  Sure love that boy.  

Our friend Melissa had her baby yesterday!  She had a C-section and went home already today.  Baby is doing great and is beautiful and precious.  She weighed 7 lb. 10 oz.  Her name is Penelope Kay!

 

  

Sunday, 12/11/22, Went to prayer/church, went to Valley Lutheran's Concert with Hailey

Absolutely beautiful morning out with the snow covering the deck, the trees and everything

Jada and Hailey

Kelly and Hailey

Hailey and Kelly after the concert

I got up first, then Hailey, then Bill.  We got ready and went to church.  Worship was really good and so was the message. We came home after church and I made air roasted potatoes, chicken nuggets and corn.  At 2:15, Hailey and I left to go to the Valley Lutheran Christmas Concert.  Tasha was on the end of our row and Laux's were behind us.  We didn't have anyone on the sides of us or for a couple of rows ahead of us.  Ginny and her family were a few rows ahead of us.  The hand bell ringers did great and the music sounded beautiful.  The Golden Voice Choir did amazing and sang beautiful songs.  At the end, they asked everyone who had ever been in the Valley choir to join in the singing of Silent night along the walls with the choir.  Hailey and Mikayla both went and so did Mikayla's dad.  It was the last song and it sounded amazing.  We had such an enjoyable time.  Hailey talked to a lot of her friends afterward and I talked to Ginny and her mom.  On our way home, I stopped at McDonalds so Hailey could get a burger, fries and a small Carmel Mocha frappe, before she headed back to her dorm.  We went back to my house and she packed up her stuff, headed to her house to get some things, then she went back to her dorm.  She let us know when she was there safely.  I talked to Vikki for a while and then talked with Melissa for a while.  Bill and I watched a Christmas movie and he had ice cream.  

Sat., 12/10/22, Ate breakfast with Hailey, Hailey went to Ally's grandpa's funeral, Hailey and I watched a movie, wrapped some presents, went to Coco Loco

 

Hailey baked cookies with me...she ended up doing mostly everything.

Me, Hailey and Bill at Coco Loco

Nice evening with candles...ready to watch the movie God's Grace

I ate breakfast with Hailey in the morning.  Then she had to get ready and go to Ally's grandpa's funeral.  Bill and I did our Bible reading and devotions.  When Hailey got home she and I made chocolate chip cookies.  They sure are yummy!  Then we watched a Christmas movie called Christmas Miracle.  It was really good.  Afterward she had to study for her exam and I wrapped Christmas presents.  

Bill got home and we all went to eat at Coco Loco and got our favorite Beef and Bean Nachos.  It was snowing big flakes when we came outside.  When we got home, Hailey did more studying.  Then we watched the movie, God's Grace.  It was good too.  We had cashews and M & M's for our snack.  We watched a Little House episode, then went to bed.

Friday, 12/9/22, Went to dentist, lunch with Maddy and Brielle, shopping, celebrated Max's birthday

Maddy and Brielle at the restaurant

Max ready to open his gifts

 

 

I told Bruce I was taking his picture...this is how he posed.  He hid his face.

Next pose for Bruce

Lots of Candles on that cake (17)

Bill, Evan, Jack, Max, Bruce Hailey and me

Bill, Vader and my only picture of Bruce lol

Melissa

Hailey and Abby.  Abby has to wear the cone because she is biting her foot

Jack

Evan

Both dogs thought they wanted cake and ice cream lol

Vikki made the hanging light.  It looks so pretty.  Great job Vikki!

I got up early so I could get my Bible reading in before going to the dentist.  My appointment was at 9.  I got there and was so happy that I got the same hygienist I had the last time.  She is an older lady who loves the Lord.  She is so kind and I loved hearing her testimony of how God answered prayer in her family.  She only works on Fridays and said she prays for God to send her the people he wants her to have.  So happy I was one of them. 

I came home and worked on getting my Christmas list updated on what I have bought and what I still have to get.  Met Maddy and Brielle at Bob Evans for lunch.  We had a nice visit and a good lunch.  I went shopping for Brielle's Christmas present afterwards.

Got home and relaxed for a while, then a friend wanted me to text all the miracles God did for Melissa so it would encourage her as she is going through sickness and pain.  I sent them to her and she was so thankful.  

We went to Melissa and Bruce's for Max's birthday celebration.  Max wanted us to come early so we could hang out longer.  Bruce made a roast, carrots and potatoes in the crockpot.  It didn't get done as fast as he thought it would, so we hung out for a while, then had brownie/cookie cake and ice cream which Max was happy about having first, then the roast was done and we had our meal.  It was super delicious and so was the cookie cake I had.  I didn't try the brownie, but Bill liked it.  He tried both.  We had a very nice time and it was nice that Hailey could be here for it too.  

We came home and I went through some magazines I needed to read, then Hailey came to spend the night which I'm so happy about.  She loves taking showers here in our new shower, so that's the first thing she did.  She is going to her friend Ally's grandpa's funeral tomorrow morning.  

Thurs., 12/8/22, Walked on the treadmill, Went Christmas shopping, went to Evan's game, Pizza at Bruce and Melissa's and a great time

 

The coaches with the team.  Evan is number 10.

Evan played great tonight and scored 4 times.  In the one video there was only 17 seconds left on the clock...great catch by Evan, but afterwards he told me he forgot to dribble lol.  He did hit the backboard with the ball though.  He is doing amazing for his first year playing. 

Walked on the treadmill and got my 2 mile walk in.  Had my morning coffee and oatmeal.  Bill went for coffee with Charlie.  I put good worship on, then did my Bible reading and devotions.  Ordered some more Christmas gifts and checked them off the list I made for Christmas.  Making good progress.  I went shopping and got a couple of more gifts bought. 

I just stopped working on my blog and ordered two more things that I got messages on.  My shopping is going fast now.  

I'm praying for Vikki today.  She isn't feeling well...has a cold.  I am also praying for Jacob as he has a fever.  Praying no one else catches anything too.  

I went to Evans game after I was done shopping.  Bill couldn't come because he was showing the lawn mower to someone coming over.  The guy bought the Grasshopper mower today.  More room in the shed now.  Back down to one which is a mower and snowblower.  Yay!  Evan did amazing at his game.  I sure was cheering him on and so was Jack beside me.  His coach told him he has the best endurance of anyone on the team.  He never gets tired.  I took him and Jack home after the game.  Bruce and Melissa ordered pizza for us.  

Max had the best hug for me when I walked in the door, and the biggest smile.  Vader had  good hugs for me too!  Bill came a few minutes after I got there.  I forgot to take any pictures of the boys at their house.  We sure had a fun time though.