Good Friiday, 4/7/23, Hailey and Peyton had fun hanging out together, went to Riverside for lunch, Vikki came over, went to good

Hailey, Peyton and I enjoying our lunch

Love these sweet granddaughters

My pretty $4.75 hyacinth from Aldi

Daffodil blossom opened today

We got to our Good Friday service early.  Awesome music was playing about the words Jesus spoke on the cross.  Then Austin sang an amazing song about what Jesus went through because of his love for us. There was prayer, then pastor took one of the seven things Jesus said on the cross.  We had time to spend time asking God about what He wants us to do after we heard each one.  At the end pastor read scripture on communion, we examined our hearts, prayed and then took communion.  We left like we always do on Good Friday. just remembering what Jesus did and focusing on Him, leaving quietly.  Pastor always does an absolutely amazing job putting our Good Friday services together so we really think about what Jesus did and how much he loves us.

I got up and made coffee and had my oatmeal.  Hailey got up shortly after.  She ate cereal for breakfast, then sat on the couch listening to worship music with me.  Peyton got up about a half hour later.  She just wanted toast with jelly.  I read the Bible to them.  We read about Jesus  being betrayed, suffering for us and dying on the cross, taking the sin of the world upon him.

We talked about the criminal on the cross who asked Jesus to remember him and read those words, today you will be with me in paradise.   

The girls watched a show on tv.  I made and got the rolls baked.  Made pudding for a chocolate banana pie and banana cream pudding dessert for tomorrow.  Went outside and checked out how the back yard was drying up for our egg hung.  It is doing good. 

When the rolls were cool, the girls and I went to Riverside for lunch.  They wanted chocolate chip pancakes and I had a grilled chicken cordon blue sandwich.  We sure had fun talking and laughing.  We came back and Hailey had to leave.  Peyton played Minecraft with Eli on her computer.  I made the banana cream pudding dessert, and made the chocolate banana pie.  Vikki came and picked up Peyton so she could go play with her friend Ava.      

Bill and I took a short nap.  Vikki called me.  I rested for a little while longer.  Kimmy called and I talked to her for a while.  We got ready and left for our Good Friday service at church.  

There were lots there.  Awesome service!  Came home and watched the Jesus of Nazarene movie.  Turned it off because it didn't follow scripture in a lot of places.  

Thurs. 4/6/23, Did my morning walking, Did some more cleaning, went to Meijer and Jacks, filled thistle feed feeders, Vikki and the twins came over, Colored Easter eggs

Eli, Peyton and Isaac's Easter bags. Kody's is on the far right. Bags with money and a little candy for the rest who chose no basket this year.  

Made up a couple big baskets for everybody to munch on when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus!

Peyton and Isaac having an after school snack after they got here

Isaac, Peyton and I coloring Easter eggs

Isaac and Peyton with the finished eggs.  They both ate one when they were finished.  So did Vikki, Papa and I

My great helpers filling eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt

The eggs are all divided into 3 tubs...one for each son in law to hide

Peyton and Gigi in their garbage bag style clothing at their 30 hour famine for youth group.  Just got pictures now.

Brielle at her last swimming lesson.  A little bathing beauty!

 

Walked two miles, then got on the new electric exercise bike and rode a mile.  Nice sunshine, but very windy out today.  It got up to 50, but sure didn't feel like it.  I went outside this morning to mail an Easter card, and I saw a mouse caught in the trap that was in the window to keep Kit Kat out.  I guess Kit Kat will be a little more fearful now that she sees how deadly those traps can be ha ha.  Weird, because they have fake cheese in them, so don't know why a mouse would fall for that.  I did some cleaning and vacuumed the stairs and upstairs hallway.  

I went to Meijer and Jack's.  Got Thistle seed at Jack's.  Went to Meijer and got a few more things needed for Easter.  Done now.  I added something more to the Easter baskets and then covered them and put a pretty bow on each one.  

Bill went into town and picked up a glass lamp shade for our lamps.  He didn't think about needing two so we would have matching ones.  He had to mentor Ross, so he returned it when he went back into town.  I ordered some on line that will arrive tomorrow.  

Vikki came over after she picked the kids up.  I gave them a snack because I knew they would be hungry after school.  Vikki and Issac moved the chair upstairs and put it in the garage.  A lady came and bought it.  Vikki was very happy because when they brought it up, it was a tight squeeze through the door and it got a tiny tear at the bottom.  She told the lady about the tear, but she still wanted to buy it at the same price.  She has cats she said so it doesn't matter.  

When I knew the kids were going to be here, I asked them to help me color egg.  I got food coloring out and made up dye for the eggs.  Peyton and Isaac started coloring Easter Eggs as soon as I had a couple of colors ready.  I sat down and helped them.  They did a great job and were really creative.  

I talked to Melissa today for a while and also Sue.  Sue has her surgery on the 27th for her knee replacement.

Hailey and Peyton came to spend the night so they could hang out and help me fill eggs for our egg hunt on Saturday.  They were sweet helpers and sure did a great job and were so fast.  Easy Breezy with them helping me.  They watched a movie and had popcorn after we were done.  They have so much fun together.  

I'm thinking about Jesus.  So sad that He was betrayed by one of those closest to Him.  Hard things Jesus went through for us.  He sure loved us to do what he did.  It's heartbreaking to think of it, and and also heartbreaking what he went through in our place on Good Friday but thankful he did it for us.  He laid down His life for us, but that wasn't the end.  Sunday's coming!!!!!

Wed., 3/5/23, Stormy morning, Melissa and Max came over, Took Meredith to work, Stopped at Vikki's, Brad and Jen came over, Got Easter Baskets and Easter bags ready

Me and my Abby Girl

Vader looking very sweet

Max and Vader...Vader loves paper towel holders

Melissa and Vader.  Vader was sitting so pretty

Love Max's smile in this picture

Vikki's school lost power too.  She had to work in the dark and write down each kid's order.  She didn't take her glasses so it wasn't easy.  She had to enter them in the computer when the electricity came back on.  Stressful day for her!

Jack

Isaac

Peyton

Lol....Mouse traps stuck on the screen and also some on the deck.  Trying to break Kit Kat from climbing on the screen and clawing it up.  Naughty Kitty!!!  She kept looking at them, and then would turn and go the other way.  No climbing today.  Good Kitty!!!

Water everywhere in our little woods

Water in the middle of the yard and the garden is pretty much under water. Rain Rain go away!

Anybody want to swing???

Beautiful sunset!

Put worship music on.  Talked to Kimmy for a while.  Melissa was just telling us last night that they hardly ever lose power because their cables are underground.  Well, today she called and they didn't have any power.  She decided to take Max out to get lunch.  Bill used to take us all to get ice cream or something when our power would go out when they were little.  She is carrying on that tradition.  Max called me after they ate and wanted to know if they could come over.  His idea, yay!  Of course I told him I would love for them to come.  They came and I gave him a hug.  He had Abby and Vader with him, so I gave them some attention too.  I showed him all the puddles in the yard.  We visited for a long time.  We had chips for a snack.  We had so much fun.  He is really doing a great job training Vader.  He told us about going on the ship and how good Vader did on it.  Papa took him on it a few years ago and so they shared memories of that.  Melissa charged up her phone here and Max charged his iPad.  They stayed until I had to leave at 1:40 to pick up Meredith from school and take her to work.  Their power was back on when they got home.  Yay!  Meredith was sweet and was so happy that I brought her a Happy Meal to eat before work.  Her mom told me that's what she likes when I asked.  She told me she was going to scarf it down.  I told her I would drive slower lol.  We had a nice visit on the way.  I went to get a  few more things I need for Easter.  Stopped at Melissa's and then stopped at Vikki's for a few minutes.  Remembered to take pictures today.  Came home and Brad and Jen got here right after I did.  They wanted us to go on a motorcycle ride because it was 70 degrees and so nice out.  Bill had to work on some CMA stuff, so we decided to go next week when it's nice instead.  They visited for a while.  He will be giving Bibles away in our church parking lot on his birthday, so I went upstairs and got some new ones we have had in the closet to see if he wanted them.  He did, so Bill will be taking them to Faith Riders meeting to give them to him.  He used to be in the Devil's Disciples so this is just awesome to see how God changes a person's heart and rescues them.  He is always doing something for the Lord now.  His wife helps him with the ministry he's doing.  

Contacted the company on Amazon that I bought two lights for upstairs from.  The glass got broken on one so I was trying to order a replacement.  They don't have replacements, but the girl was super nice and wanted to do something.  A grandkid broke the light and that wasn't even the company's fault.  She gave me a code for a 50% off coupon so I could order another light and get one free.  We wanted two of the same kind of lights for your bedroom night stands, so I ordered.  There was also a -$3.00 coupon I could click on, then we had reward points so got another 13.42 off.  We ended up paying $8.30 and the lights arrive tomorrow.  Talk about the Lord working all things out for good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose.  I love how He even cares about the little things.  I almost want to thank that grandkid for breaking the glass lol.  

We read our Bibles, then I made salmon and baked potatoes for dinner.  Bill worked on CMA stuff and I filled Easter Baskets for Saturday's gathering.  I made up two baskets instead of just an adult basket because so many kids want money this year instead of baskets.  I figured all of the kids and adults can help eat those goodies.  Kenzie called me and will be coming Saturday now.   

Tues., 4/4/23, Bill took the garbage out then went to VA appt., I rode the elliptical bike, then walked on the treadmill, cleaned house, Kimmy, Jared, Eli, Vikki, Peyton, Isaac, Melissa, Jack and Evan came over, boys went to fencing

Bill found a really nice futon on Facebook Marketplace and got a great deal on it.  It is so comfy too.

Peyton, Evan and Eli had fun taking turns playing ping pong

Vikki, Bill, me, Melissa and Kimmy playing Wes and Gayla's new way to play 3-13

Bill got up at 6:30 to take the garbage out and get ready to go to his VA appt.  I got up at 7:40 and went down in the basement and rode a mile on the bike and walked treadmill to get my 2 mile walk in.  I ate my oatmeal with blueberries and bananas and drank my yummy Starbuck coffee with Hazelnut Mocha creamer.  I vacuumed and dusted while Bill was gone.  When he got home we read our Bibles.  He went down and rode the bike 2 miles and walked 3 miles on the treadmill.  It rained in the morning lightly, then rained again in the evening.  We had puddles in the yard from last night's rain.  I did some laundry.  

Bill and I went to pick up a futon that was new and he got a super great deal on.  We got to the apartment building and the husband was waiting for us at the door.  He told us the apartment was on the 8th floor.  We went up and looked at the futon and it was so nice.  So comfortable too!  He and Bill put it on a rolling platform he had made and they rolled it onto the elevator and downstairs and out the front door.  I helped Bill get it off the truck and into the garage when we got home.  He figures the boys will help him get it to the basement tonight.  

Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came first.  Then Kimmy, Jared and Eli got here so we all ate the spaghetti I had made.  I invited Melissa, Jack and Evan too, but Bruce was making spaghetti at their house, so they they ate at home.  Eli helped Bill carry the futon down to the basement.

Melissa, Jack and Evan got here.  Eli and Jack played ping pong before they had to leave to go to their fencing class.  Evan played on his computer.  Adam gave him a really cool mouse that lights up.  

We girls went down to the basement and moved the futon where we wanted it.  Vikki is going to sell the two chairs she gave me to have down there until we found a futon we liked.   Nice little area to visit while people play ping pong or watched television.  Kimmy and Vikki worked on fixing the chair Bill made.  Kimmy wood glued the parts that were loose and coming apart all the time.  So nice to have that problem taken care of.  Thanks girls!

Melissa and I visited upstairs.  The girls came up with us when they were done.  Melissa show us the cutest video of Max, Jack and Evan singing a song about Jesus when they were little.  Loved seeing it.  Precious boys!

He was pretty happy to get it.  Bill, Vikki, Kimmy, Melissa and I played 3-13 the new way Wes and Gayla showed us.  Vikki won!  

Monday, 4/3/23, Sorted through lots of attic stuff. Bagged up stuff and sent it to goodwill, went to Sam's Club, went to Trinity Riders

 

I was so happy to see Lydia and her mommy today.

Crocus I found today

Really weird because I have never had a crocus by this deck ever.  I had some planted in the front of the house, but critters kept eating them down, so haven't had any in at least 10 years.
I was checking out my plants around the house today and couldn't believe there was one lonesome one.

I put on good worship music, then went through tubs of stuff and packed up bags for Bill to take to Goodwill.   I got ready to go get some groceries.  Bill left to go have coffee with Charlie before Charlie's appt. to get fluid drained off his lungs.  He got back home before I left to go to the store.  He had more errands to run too.  He took the stuff I had for Goodwill and dropped it off.  

I checked at Menard's for a glass replacement to go around one of the upstairs lights.  Checked at Home Depot too.  Didn't find the right one, so will see about ordering on line.  

Went to Sam's Club.  Got the things I needed, then checked out.  I had a really nice and talkative checker.  My phone rang, and I looked and saw it was Michelle.  I couldn't answer right then, so decided I would call her when I got to the car.  I looked up and there she was.  She had seen me in line, and didn't want to have to pack up their stuff and pick the baby up to come talk to me.  She saw I didn't answer, so came over to me.  I was so happy to see them.  We went back to the table were her friend and little 2 yr. old were sitting.  I got an ice tea and joined them.  Her friend had to leave, so Michelle and I had a good visit.  I got to hold sweetie Lydia while we visited.  She's such a good girl.  We talked about CMA and the youth.  She has a heart to work with youth.  She also is a go getter which you need to be to work with youth.  

She just had a chili cookout at their house and raised $500 for Run for the Son.  She went to buy diapers after that, and I headed to Aldi to get a few things I needed there.  I headed home after that.  Bill was down riding the treadmill.  He went 2 miles.  He had already ridden the bike and went 2 miles on that too.  I am so happy he is exercising.  I will be doing mine tomorrow as I got lots of steps walking in all the stores I had to be in and then again walking outside at home.  Eli texted me goodnight, so I texted him back.

It was in the 50's, not windy,  and it was nice and warm with the sun shining.  I could finally walk around and look at the plants coming up around the yard and the buds coming on the trees and bushes.  So enjoyable, especially when I found that crocus.  Hyacinths are blossoming and will be open soon.  I cut down the dead stuff from the Autumn Joys and raked good around them.  Lots of new growth underneath all that stuff.  Got a whole big garbage can full, and pulled to the front for the trash tomorrow.

In the evening we went to Trinity Rider's meeting.  Lew and Cindy from Faith Riders came too and sat with us.  He is the president of Faith Riders and is recovering from a double bypass.  We had fun with them.  

Sunday, 4/2/23, Went to church, went to Wes and Gayla's

Kit Kat back next to her house....weird that she doesn't like going in her house anymore

Playing SkyJo with Gayla, Joel and Wes 

Bill and Wes looking on their phones for a trike for Wes

We went to prayer before church, then into the service.  Awesome worship and an amazing message.  We went up to pray for people after church.  Visited with people afterward.  We came home and ate, then read our Bibles and took a 20 minute nap before going to Wes and Gayla's house.  Gayla told us once we got there that it was my Birthday Party.  She had made strawberry shortcake and had a gift for me from the 3 of them.  They sang Happy Birthday, then had me open my present.  It is a beautiful hummingbird spinner hanger for outside.  They got it for me in St. Augustine, Florida while they were there.  So sweet of them.  We played Sky Jo, then played 3-13 a little different way.  Some couple played with them in Florida and they each discarded their card in front of them.  Then you could pick up anybody's card.  We tried it and it was pretty fun.  Much faster rounds and much easier to get stuck with lots of points.  What a fun time with dear friends, "framily" as we call them, friends who are family.  

We came home and Bill had some Amish bread and I had a grilled cheese sandwich on that kind of bread.  YUM!  Vikki Beemer stopped over for a while.  She dropped something of Iain's off for Rody to look at to see if it can be fixed.  Nice visiting with her for a few minutes.  

 

Sat., 4/1/23, April 1st = April Fools day, went to Sandusky, went to Mennonite Store, came home for a while, went to Midland to see Son of God

 

Bill and I starting out this morning to go to Sandusky....It was a beautiful sunrise

10 minutes until it looked like this...loved watching the sunrise declare the Glory of God!  The Heavens and the Earth declare the glory of God.  Man is without excuse the Bible says!

Melissa and Hailey at Starbucks

Hailey and Jack at their house

Hailey, Evan, Dan, Jack and Brenda....Hailey drove the boys to see their grandma and grandpa today.  Melissa sent me this cute picture

Hailey and her grandpa (Bruce's dad).  They both have the same cast on!

We got up early so we could get ready and leave by 7:15 for Sandusky.  Listened to good worship music while I got ready.  The sunrise was absolutely beautiful. The drive there was very bright to say the least.  I hung the blanket over my visor two it would block it from my eyes.  Bill was driving so he couldn't do that.  Just had to sit up taller so the visor would block it.  I did a little resting under that blanket too.

The Bikers Across the Thumb meeting went great.  A new person came and was excited about joining so that's wonderful.  They announced that we were now State Coordinators and congratulated us.  We had a buffet breakfast before they started the meeting.  When it was finished, we went to the Mennonite Store.  We got a couple of big roasts for Easter dinner.  Got some other meat and other things too.  Such a nice store.  Even found Miracle Whip for 2/$5.  At Meijer it is over $6.  

We came home and rested a while and read our Bibles.  Bill took a nap.  I rested for a while, but couldn't sleep, so got busy with some organizing I needed to get done.  We left at 4 to go to the movie, His Only Son.  We picked our seats out in the lobby, then decided to move up a couple of rows, so picked different seats.  Not many seats were taken.  We got our popcorn and pop, then went to our seats.  As we went to go in the row, there was Jim and Connie Krueger, who are good friends, but we also found out after we met in 1981, that Jim's great grandma and my great grandma were sisters so we are third cousins.  We were two seats down from them.  We had a nice visit in sour seats before the movie started.  The commercials and previews repeated themselves three times, so Bill decided to go tell someone.  Jim went with him.  Finally they started the movie.  It really had a great message! We came home and I talked with Melissa for a while.  Then I did my blog.