Sat., 7/15/23, HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY JACK! WE LOVE YOU!, Took Jack and Eli to Tim Hortons, Melissa and Bruce brought Strawberry Shortcake over for Jack's Birthday, Kimmy, Jared and the boys came over

Happy Birthday Jack!  You are an amazing grandson and we love you so much.  We loved the yummy strawberry shortcake for your birthday.  Great choice!

We loved seeing you have so much fun with Eli on your birthday!

Nana, Papa, Eli and Jack enjoying Ice Capps and donuts at Tim Hortons for Jack's Birthday

Kit Kat was pretty happy in the crate when I went to get her out

She actually rolled on her side and went to sleep

Eli shooting the crossbow

Jack shooting the regular bow

Papa giving Eli some instructions

Eli shooting at the target

Jack's turn

Papa giving Jack instructions

Papa's turn.  It started raining harder so they came in and went back out laterMax

Eli and Jack

Since it was Jack's birthday, he got to dish up his strawberry shortcake first

Jack and Eli enjoying their shortcake

Eli loved Badger and Vader...Jack watching

Max and Vader, Jack, Eli and Badger

Melissa and Max were cute talking to each other

Max shooting

Max shooting the crossbow after Papa gave him instructions.  He hit the bull's eye

Max hit the center all three times he shot the crossbow

Bruce's turn

Max hit the target again when he shot the crossbow

Adam

Jacob

Eli, Jacob and Adam taking down the tent

Adam was being pretty funny when we played SkipBo, not!!!

I told Jack Happy Birthday right after midnight.  Loved being the first one.  Bill was second.  Right after that, we went to bed.  The boys finished watching their movie.  

We were up for a while before the boys woke up.  I was reading my Bible out on the deck, when I heard them starting to talk.  I walked over to ask if they wanted to go to Tim Horton's for donuts for Jack's birthday.  Of course the answer was yes.  They said they slept good in the tent.  It rained and thundered, but they stayed dry.  They sure had fun together.  Kit Kat did good in the crate.  We were a little nervous that she might rip up the tent, so that's where she spent the night so we would be sure she didn't.  

We all enjoyed Tim Horton's.  I had a bagel and the rest had donuts.  Bill had a coffee and the rest of us had Ice Capps. YUM!  We went to Cabela's after that. Bill had to return something.  We walked around and looked at stuff.  

When we got home we went outside and Bill and the boys shot arrows at the target.  They  had fun, but then it started raining harder, so we went inside.  Bill and the kids played lots of ping pong.  

Around 4, Melissa, Bruce and Max came to celebrate Jack's Birthday.  They brought yummy strawberry shortcake that Bruce made for us all to have.  It sure was delicious.  I'm thinking that's what I want for my next birthday.  Max had fun shooting the crossbow and other bow too.   It was nice out, but warm and humid.  Max did amazing shooting and hitting the target.  He came inside with Vader and Badger for a while and we all had fun visiting.  They left, then shortly after, Kimmy, Jared, Adam and Jacob came.  The guys all played ping pong and Kimmy, Jacob, Adam and I played teams in Skip Bo.  It was such a close game. In the end, Adam saw we were going to draw a SkipBo card and be able to go out....so he messed all the cards up.  Those boys are usually unbeatable and I guess they just couldn't take it.  

Kimmy and I walked out to look at the gardens.  She asked about my blueberry bushes, so I took her to show them to her.  She saw all those weeds, and wanted to see if they pulled out easy.  They did, so then there was no stopping her from pulling them.  Jared worked hard pulling them out too.  I kept working with them.  I tried to get Kimmy to stop so we could go in, but she wouldn't.  Eli helped some too.  Bill came out and he helped too until that whole garden was done.  Boy what a big job done!  I didn't want them doing that, but I sure do appreciate it so much.  Thank you all!   They left after that and Bill and I relaxed in our Loveseat recliners.                   

   

 

7/14/23, Friday, Weeded the new garden, Went shopping for foster kid school supplies for church, Lisa's birthday gift and a few things I needed too. Eli and Jack are camping out in the yard here tonight

Maddy sent me these today.  Such a cute little helper she has.

I think she's going to love dusting lol.

Turkey along side the driveway when I pulled in today

Kit Kat loves it when I sit on the swing.  I was watching birds and drinking my coffee.  She wasn't watching birds lol.

I got all of the weeds out of this garden today. The four prong tool Kimmy told me about works amazing.  You still have to bend over and get the weeds out of the garden but it sure is easier.

Lots of apples on our apple tree this year.  Six years ago when Bill pruned this tree, none of us thought it would make it.  We were so wrong.  Yay for Bill.  It is much healthier now.

I can have peace when I look at the garden now.

Finishing getting  the tent ready so Jack and Eli can sleep in it

Jack ready to go in

Eli and Badger in the tent, Jack outside the tent and Jared behind the tent.  It's going to be a fun night for these campers.  Jack's 15th birthday is tomorrow!  It is going to be an exciting night and day.

We read our Bibles in the morning.  I made oriole and hummingbird food and went out to put fresh food in the feeders.  I also put jelly out and an orange.  Then I decided to weed the new flower garden because quite a few little weeds were popping up after 3 weeks of not being tended to.  It was getting pretty warm out by the time I finished.

I texted with my sister, Brenda for a while, returned a light up cloth frisbee I had got from Aldi, because it wouldn't turn on.  I went to the bank after that, then went to fill up with gas at Sam's club.  Then I went to Walmart to get school supplies for foster kids to bring to church on Sunday.  Stopped at Bath and Body and TJ Max to get a birthday present for my friend Lisa.  

That all took a long time.  I was glad to get home.  When I pulled in the driveway I was happy to see Turkey Lurky walking by our small woods, so I took a picture.  Bill went to have both of his bows restrung, but was back before me.  

Eli had been texting me to see if he and Jack could spend the night at our house in the new tent they got for Adam to use while in Copper Harbor.  Of course my answer was yes.  Always love having these sweet grandsons spend the night.  

Melissa brought Jack over and Jack and Bill played ping pong.  Kimmy, Jared and Eli came shortly after and started setting up the tent right away because it was starting to get dark.  

It was an easy set up so that was good.  I found my rechargeable lantern for them to use in the tent.  Poor Kit Kat is spending the night in the crate.  We don't trust her not to climb on the tent and rip it.  The boys got their stuff in the tent, then played with the light sabres for a little while.  They came in to watch a movie and have popcorn.  I hid some fruit slice candy in the bottom for a surprise.  My M & M's are in the camper still, so it was the next best thing I had.  

Hailey sent me these cute pictures of her and her friends day in Traverse City

I'm glad she is loving her job and making such nice friends to hang out with.  I love that they wrote Jesus Loves You!  

 

Thurs. 7/13/23, Bill and I worked on getting garden weeded, took Jack and Evan to lunch and had them over, went to Vikki's and made keychains

Jack, Evan and me at Tony's for lunch

Ha ha, some friends of our camp all summer in the same campground because they are in Florida half the year.  This new neighbor moved in and set up a hot tub.  Now that's camping lol.

Evan, what a fun kid and such a great personality.  He always cares about others.  I sure had fun with him today.

Jack wearing his headphones....I needed a picture for my blog.  He is so respectful, polite and kind hearted.  Sure loved spending time with him today.

I had fun with these two granddaughters at Vikki's tonight.  I brought strawberries and Kenzie dipped them in chocolate.  She also did blackberries, tangerines and lemon pieces.
I didn't try those sour lemon pies dipped in chocolate, but Peyton did and loved them.  They sure are sweet girls and so much fun.

Isaac with his headphones on.  He ran out to meet me as soon as I got there and carried Vikki's shepherd's hook I brought back from camping.  He is one sweet caring kiddo who is fun too.  I have been missing him since camping

Love seeing kids building and playing with legos

 

Peyton making bracelets.  Kenzie cuddling Lucy

Sister time

Vikki is making this beautiful wall hanging

Vikki taught me how to make leaf keychains and wall hangings tonight.  She also taught me how to make keychains.  She is so talented.

 

Butterfly weed is starting to blossom.  We got 2 1/2 inches of rain yesterday, so the new plants I planted in this garden should start growing nicely now.

Me making my keychain

The two keychains I made

How fun it was to make these with Vikki's help instructing me

Charlie picked Bill up to go for coffee.  I ate a banana in the morning, then put the new flat bird feeder back outside and turned the pool filter on.  I weeded some in the new flower garden, then started pulling weeds in the garden.  I found more onions in the one row.  

Yesterday, Bill did one big garbage bin full.  We read our Bibles, then I took Jack and Evan out to lunch at Tony's.  Jack got pancake and bacon, Evan just got a hamburger, and I had a hamburger and fries which I shared.  We were too full for dessert when she asked if we wanted some.  Kenzie called to see if I could come over and make leaf decorations and keychains.  I was tired, but told her I would perk up and come after Melissa picked up the boys.  We went to my house, and the boys swam while Bill and I worked on pulling more weeds.  4 more garbage bins full.  Jack hauled them out of the garden for us.  I pulled some weeds out of our front brick walkway too.  It is much easier after a good rain.  The boys and Bill played several games of pingpong and it was nice listening to them have so much fun.  

I just relaxed after all that weeding.  Kenzie called again to see if I was coming.  She thought I sounded like I didn't want to, but I told her I was just tired and would be rested shortly and come.  When the boys got done, I gave them each a drumstick.  By then they were happy to have dessert.  Melissa called and came to pick them up and stayed a few minutes to visit.  After they left, Bill and I ate left over spaghetti and then I headed over to Vikki's to make keychains with her and the girls.  It was so fun learning and making them.  I washed some strawberries I brought and Kenzie made yummy chocolate dipped strawberries with them.  I goofed and didn't leave the tops on them for dipping, so Kenzie had to use toothpicks.  I did that the last time I made them, so I should have remembered.  Oh well.  All of their leaf projects turned out just beautiful.  Peyton is so good at making them too.  It was so much fun being with them and hanging out.  I sure am glad I perked up after doing the garden.  Kenzie's treats were delicious too.  When I was leaving, Kenzie showed me a picture of an angel she was going to make.  It was just beautiful and she made me one. So sweet of her.  I am going to make these things and sell them in Arkansas at our CMA Colors rally.  Texted with Jack and Eli and then relaxed with Bill.  

Wed., 7/12/23, Read my Bible outside, Got more outside stuff done, Stopped at Melissa's, went to Marine Corp. League Picnic,

Nice to see an oriole today.  I've been gone so long, I didn't know if they were still coming

Nice seeing my hummingbird too.  Melissa and I saw one here last night when we were sitting on the deck too.

Evan busy on his computer

I had Jack pose for a quick picture

Cute bird bath and ceramic chimes I found at Aldi today.  Great prices too!

Bill praying for our meal

Brad, Jen and Bill

Brad and Dennis

Brad, Jen and I

The Marines at the picnic tonight

 Filled the bird feeders and put suet and jelly out.  Added chlorine tablets to the floater in the pool.  It sure is nice having the solar cover closer and it just being a short walk to move it.  I brought some more stuff in out of the camper.  I read my Bible out on the deck.  Kit Kat was happy to have me back so she could lay by me while I read.  

I left to get a few groceries and also pick up my prescription.  I called Melissa to see if I could stop over.  Jack had messaged me that he wanted to meet with me to pay me the $5 he borrowed when he was up at the campground.  I am very proud of him that he remembered and was setting up when he could give it to me.  I had actually forgot about it.  I told him how proud of him I was that he was responsible to pay back what he borrowed.  I thought about not having him pay me back, but thought it is good for kids to learn when they borrow, that's what they have to do.  Melissa also paid me back for Bill's Father's Day, so it was a money making stop lol.  I called and set up a Nana Date for tomorrow to take Jack and Evan out to lunch.  I am looking forward to spending time with them.  

Bill had to go to the pain clinic for an evaluation.  His last injection in his neck didn't work, so they are planning another one.  I sure am praying for the next one to work.  

I made banana cream pudding dessert for the picnic tonight.  Brad and Jen came over to follow us there.  We had fun sitting with them and their friend, Dennis.  Dennis was super nice.  He told me he has autism, but is high functioning and has a very high IQ.  He said he lives on his own, not with his mom.  He talked about his dad dying young because he had an aneurism.  He also told us he needs a miracle from God because he has one.  He said he was on a vent, coded and God brought him back, had something else happen and coded and God brought him back, and knows God has a purpose for him here before he takes him.  He told us he believes and knows he is going to heaven, but he doesn't want to die before his mom dies.  Sounded like he wants to take care of her.  While we were talking, Debbie tried to call a Marine veteran who wasn't there because he was in the hospital with cancer.  She ended up breaking down crying because she found out he just died.  Dennis jumped up right away and even though he didn't know her, he gave her a big hug and told her everything was going to be ok and to just trust God and He would help her.  It was very touching.  Bill had visited the guy and he confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior while he was there.  We prayed for Dennis for the miracle he needed before we left.  It was raining and getting cold.

We came home and relaxed.  Vikki FaceTimed me today and Melissa and I talked on the phone for a while.  Kimmy didn't answer her phone when I called to check on how Adam did taking the Benadryl.