Sat., 5/6/23, Went on Run for the Son ride, stopped at Kimmy and Jared's, weeded flower garden,

Jack and his class on National Day of Prayer yesterday.  Jack is standing on the far left!

Don, Barb, Ron, Brad, Jen, Elaine, Luis, Sabrina, Bill, Jim, Bill, Gayla and Wes

Same people, but me where Bill was

Lined up in Wes and Gayla's driveway for take off

Wes and Gayla and Jen and Brad behind us

Stopped in Sanford to pick up other riders.  We all visited there before taking off.

 

Jim, Gayla, Lew, Cindy, Don, Sabrina, Bill, Brad, Jen, Ron, Barb, Elaine, Jim, Marsha, me, Bill and Wes hurrying to get in the picture before the lady we asked to take it took it.

The horse pulling this wagon with the Amish man driving was sure going fast.

Beautiful day for us all to ride

Bill by the bike.  Wes net to him getting something out of his bike.  Zoom in and see all of the horses looking in the background

Parked at the Amish house where we ate

Ready to enjoy our Amish meal

A three week old foal that was there.  So cute!

This will be a fun memory. Ron started calling here kitty kitty because we didn't exactly know how to call horses. They all came from the far field when we called here kitty kitty. Whatever works right!

Ron, Linda, Gayla, Jen, Barb and Brad

Adam

Jacob

Papa

Got most of the weeds out of this newer garden.  Kimmy and I had turned grass and weeds over a couple of weeks ago, thinking they would die.  They didn't.  Must be because of all the rain.  I dug each one back out and shook all the dirt I could off.  Two big piles at the end of the top picture.  Only have the little area in the bottom right hand corner to do.  It started raining, so I quit.  I wanted to get Preen down, but will do it tomorrow.  

Will need to rake it out good now

I have piles of weeds by the pool too.  I did around it yesterday.

My new Amish husband.  We were in the Amish Store and he tried this hat on.  He's so cute!

We did our Run for the Son ride today!  Thanks to all who donated!  There were 18 people, 12 bikes and 2 cages on the ride.  It was a beautiful 70 degree day so it was a great ride.  We started out in Thomas Township, had more riders join us in Sanford, then rode to Farwell and had dinner at an Amish home.  It was delicious and, of course, the fellowship was great.  At 1 p.m. we all prayed together, joining all of CMA praying together at the same time.  After that, we ladies went In the kitchen and prayed for the mother and her three daughters who prepared the food and served us.  They did an amazing job and were so nice.  We went to a couple of Amish stores afterward and got a few things.  Picked up some fruit gum drop rings to take to Kimmy's.

After that,  Bill and I stopped to visit Kimmy, Jared and our grandsons. Jacob and Adam were the only two home.  Kimmy and Jared were at Eli's soccer game, then had to go to Saginaw and get some bricks so we missed seeing them.  Wyatt did the best ever when I got in the house.  Just was calm and stayed by me to pet him.  

The boys were playing bed wars.  I talked to Kimmy on the phone.  I told the boys to wait until the whole family was there to open the treat.  They joked and said they were going to eat them and act like nothing was brought.  Ha ha! 

We came home and I worked for a long time on weeding the flower garden.  It was lots of work and I was tired, but wanted to finish.  Then it started raining just when I was almost done.  I quit and will finish tomorrow.   

My friend, Barb, who has cancer messaged me this last night. 

"I'm doing better, I got good news today about my blood work. The cancer numbers have dropped from over 1300 to just 535. Hallelujah !!!!!! Glory to God !!!!!! I've had 3 chemo treatments as of today. I'm having a CT scan on the 24,,th. To see if the tumors have shrunk, possibly surgery to come soon."  

I was so happy to get this text after I asked her how she was.  God is Awesome!

I forgot to write about Kit Kat getting lost and where I found her.  Will have to add it to tomorrow's blog.  Stay tuned for quite an adventure.

Friday, 5/5/23, Went to Melissa's, Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came over, the kids stayed with me while Vikki when to her appreciation dinner, Went to Sam's Club, watched a movie

Me, Hailey and Melissa

When Vikki was over, we sat outside and she took these great pictures 

Picked up chicken nuggets and fries McDonalds for Peyton, and subs from subway for Isaac and I.  Peyton and Isaac both had shakes too. They both picked what they wanted.

Relaxing at Nana's

Brielle happy about her Easter book

Maddy sent me this today

Isaac, me (in my new Michigan State Sweatshirt Vikki found for me) and Peyton

Vikki took this great pictures of the eagles.  She watched them feed their babies. Video below

I looked outside and saw, my solar bug outside was lit up.  It never lit up last year, so I had to take a picture

Beautiful sunset tonight

In the morning, I went to visit Melissa and Hailey, and dropped off the CMU clothes off I found at garage sales to her.  We had a nice visit, then I had to get home because Vikki was dropping the kids off at my house to spend time with me.  Yay! 

 I read my Bible outside while I waited for Vikki and the kids to get here.  Vikki had 30 minutes to spend before she had to leave for her appreciation dinner at school.  We sat outside and she took some great pictures of a woodpecker that was on the feeder.  She and the kids had chocolate chip cookies I made with no nuts.  They don't like the ones with nuts in them.  I had ones with nuts, because I love them with nuts in them.

After Vikki left,  I picked up Isaac and my order from Subway, then I picked up Peyton's order from McDonalds, plus Isaac's shake.  I brought them home and we all ate.  The kids were so polite and thanked me a couple of times.  Peyton told me it was like they were at school here again like during Covid and I asked them if they wanted me to ring the bell.  They both said no lol.  

I opened the camper up, and brought the bedding in to wash before we go camping next week.

It was so nice being in it again. 

Vikki came and picked the kids up.  She went home to get some flower bed work done.  Bill got home from collecting money for the Marine Corp League at Pat's.  We relaxed for a little while before he had to be at his dentist appt at 3.  When he left, I went out and did lots of weeding and edging.  I will be putting Preen down tomorrow.  I have one more flower garden to do again, then the woods needs some weeding.  I was sure happy to sit outside and relax afterwards.  Bill got home and we went over the State Rally and Street Party flyers Cindy made up for us.  She did an outstanding job on them.  

We went to Sam's Club and got some things we needed.  Came home, put stuff away and watched a movie called Moving Mountains.  It was a true story.   

Thurs., May 4, 2023, one year since Rody's mom passed away, praying for him, finished cleaning house, Prayed with IFA for National Day of Prayer, put outside stuff out with Bill, Lew and Cindy came over, Vikki, Kenzie and Isaac came over, Took server to Lew and Cindy's.

Picture of Hailey with her CMU friends.  She is such a beautiful girl! She is done with her freshman year of college now

Eli has a tic on his arm.  Yikes!  Kitty's must be bringing them in.  He's a really handsome grandson!

Claire is standing behind the tall mike. The band did a great job playing the Star Wars song.  They couldn't see Clair while she was playing. 

Claire and Adam after her band concert!  Another very handsome grandson! Claire's beautiful inside and out too!

Isaac, Kenzie and Vikki....beautiful granddaughter, handsome grandson, and beautiful daughter.  How blessed to have a family where each one has a beautiful caring heart too!

Maddy sent me this of Brielle and her dog, Calli.  Calli is only 5 and started having seizures, so praying for this sweet doggie.  

Got up at 7:30, had my oatmeal and just water today.  Awesome worship music today, then read my Bible.  Finished cleaning the house, then Bill and I put stuff outside that still needed to go out.  Put the umbrella's in the tables outside too and put the cover on the pergola.  I blew off the deck and Bill cut the grass.  Cleaned out some weeds and leaves around plants.  Put out my yard flag and hung some decorative things out.  Bill hung my lights under the gazebo and pergola for me.  Nice to have it warm and sunny out and be enjoying the outdoors.  At noon, we sat on the deck and prayed with IFA over the computer.   

Made chocolate chip cookies today.  Grilled burgers on the grill and made mashed potatoes for dinner.  Had homemade applesauce too. 

Lew and Cindy came over.  Cindy is doing the flyer for our State Rally for us.  She is amazing at doing things like that.  We discussed what needed to be on it and she took notes on the flyer.  

This is a huge blessing for us that she's doing this.  Kenzie did it the last two years and did a great job, but she's busy with her glass business and has been having morning sickness.  Vikki, Kenzie and Isaac came over while we were working on the flyer.  I moved the cookies to the table in the kitchen so they could have some and take some home.  Kenzie left me some nerds (like nerd ropes only in pieces)on the cookie plate. That was so sweet of her and brought back memories of getting nerd ropes for her at BayShore.  They taste so good.  Vikki and Bill loaded the server we gave them on Lew's truck.  We followed them to their house to carry it in with Cindy since Lew is recovering from bypass surgery and can lift over 40 lbs.  I got to meet their cute Shitzu dogs...they are brother and sister.  We came home and I talked to Vikki, then I talked to Melissa, then I talked to Kimmy.  I talked to the boys in the background too.  They were getting a tic off from Eli.  Yikes!  It hadn't burrowed in, so that was good.  Kimmy found another one in the shower.  Glad they found them.  

Wed., 5/3/23, Cleaned part of the house, filled oriole feeders and hung outside, went to ball game, watched a good movie

Alec, Maddy, Brielle, Bill enjoying the ball game

Me and Baby B

Baby B, Maddy and Alec

Other Marines watching the ball game the Marine Corp. League sponsors...the one on the right is my cousin, Pat. Only met him after he joined the Marine Corp. League.  His Grandpa Ed and my Grandpa Johnny were brothers. We are sure we met when we were young kids, but don't remember each other.

Put good worship on, then after that we read our Bibles.  Had my yummy oatmeal with blueberries, bananas and walnuts.  Also had my coffee.  I switched to Almond Milk creamer, since I read and have been told dairy products can trigger eczema.  It tasted really good, so I am glad I can still have my coffee with creamer in it.  Bill went to mentor Ross from church.

I filled the oriole feeders and hung them out.  Can't wait til they come.  I did lots of bird watching today.  There were so many...nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, cardinals, blue jays, plus some annoying black birds.  One squirrel came to visit too.  

I cleaned the living room, family room and entrance way.  Plan on cleaning the rest tomorrow.

We stopped at Culver's for dinner on our way to the ball game.  Maddy and Alec came to the game too.  We had fun!  During the last inning, Brielle, got tired and was crying quite a bit.  We all tried walking her, but they forgot her pacifier, so she just wanted that and wouldn't settle down.  

I had sent a copy of a page of healing scriptures I got out of a magazine.  I sent my friend, Linda, a picture of them I had on my phone, but it was hard for her to read.  Tonight I typed them up for her and made them large print and bold also.  I am mailing her a copy tomorrow.  Got it in the envelope and all ready to mail.   I will be using this large print copy too. I was prayed for for healing of this eczema by the elders.   I am declaring the Word of God over me out loud and believing.  Doing what God's Word tells me to do.  I watched some videos of people who have eczema and what they learned to do to avoid triggers and help.  These people had it far worse than me.  I felt so bad for them.  It moved me to pray for anyone who has this, especially little babies and children.  One thing I learned was to drink lots of water.  I'm not so good at that, but began today.  I can already tell a difference.  Thank you, Jesus!

 

Tues., 5/2/23, Maddy and Alec's 2nd Anniversary, another cold, rainy, very windy day, took our absentee ballots in, made rhubarb pie and sauce, went to prayer at church

Lots of woodpeckers were at the suet feeder today

Cut up the rhubarb from the garden 

Made a rhubarb pie and yummy sauce below

Kimmy sent me these pictures tonight.  She was going through pictures for Jacob's graduation.  My mom held my hand in it.  It is such a wonderful memory.  I had the best mom and dad ever!  I sure do miss them everyday!

It was another cold, rainy, very windy 40 degree day.  Brrr...I tried to stay inside as much as I could.  Bill took the garbage out in our new bins.  It was so windy, the recycling one blue over a couple of times.  We had to go drop off our absentee ballots in the morning.  I had a nice talk with Kimmy on the phone.  We think alike on a lot of things. After we hung up, I put on worship music, read my Bible and spent time with the Lord.  Bill was at the VA getting a blood test. I had a good day.  Not much itching from the eczema.  It's getting better! Thank you Lord!

I washed and cut up the rhubarb, then made a pie and cooked some to make rhubarb sauce.  Made personal Little Caesars pizza's for dinner; 2 for Bill and 1 for me.  Last time I made him one and he said he wish he had another.  He didn't want me to make him another one though.  This time I remembered!

After dinner, I went to church for prayer.  There were 11 of us there.  We had an awesome prayer time, lifting up the congregation, needs of people there, prayer points from Pastor's sermon, and our nation.  We have seen the Holy Spirit move in amazing ways through prayer.

When I got home, we had a piece of rhubarb pie.  Bill said it was good.  I was happy he liked it.  After that we relaxed in the love seat.  

  

Monday, 5/1/23, , Happy Birthday to sister Debbie! We love you! Mentored Maddy, Went to Hobby Lobby, Went to Vikki's, Went to Coco Loco's, voted absentee, watched a movie called "A Matter of Faith"

Happy Birthday to Debbie!  This is her first birthday as an Oma!  Baby Emma is so cute!

My nephew, Matthew, holding his baby niece

Our new garbage and recycle bins were delivered today.

Picked rhubarb today.....pies and rhubarb sauce will be made in the morning

Got this wall hanging at Hobby Lobby for half off today

Isaac, me, Kenzie and Peyton

Bill went to have coffee with Charlie.  I met Maddy at Biggby at 9 and we drank our coffee, visited, went through our lesson.  I went to Hobby Lobby after that and walked through.  They had Wall displays on sale for 50% off.  I found a heart with the Love Chapter Scripture in it for 10.50, so got it.  It's one of my favorite verses, and it looks so nice on the wall and is a great reminder.  

I walked outside, then decided to pick the rhubarb when I saw it was ready.  I got a bag full.  I also tied one of my blueberry bushes up to make it grow straight.  I gave Kit Kat some attention when I was outside.  I also filled the bird feeders and put suet out.  It was a cold, windy day.  I can't wait for warmer weather to arrive, so I can be outside more.  

Kenzie called and said she might stop over later.  She was waiting for her mom to get out of work.  I called her back and told her I could just come to her mom's if that was easier for her.  She has a long way to go to get home, so thought I would save her time.  She got a heartbeat monitor, so we tried to find baby's heartbeat, but couldn't.  Vikki thought she might have heard it.  We sure could hear Kenzie's.  Vikki made me a yummy coffee.  Isaac played some beautiful songs on the piano.  I could listen to him all day.  It was nice getting a picture with the three grandkids.  So thankful for them and love them so much.  I left for home after that.  Bill and I were supposed to go to a softball game that a junior league team the Marine Corp League sponsors was supposed to play.  It started raining and the game got cancelled.  Maddy and Alec sent us each a text and asked if we wanted to meet for dinner.  Neither of us saw it, but were thinking the same thing and I called Maddy to see if they wanted to meet us.  We met at Coco Loco.  We didn't see their texts till we got there.  We celebrated their 2 year wedding anniversary that will be tomorrow.  Vikki FaceTimed me and got to see Brielle.  Brielle loves phones and seemed happy to see Vikki.   

We came home and filled out our absentee ballots for the school mileage and then watched the movie, A Matter of Faith.  It was a great movie with a great ending.  I talked to Melissa a few times.