Sat., 8/26/23, Amanda and Alex’s wedding day

Our family section waiting for the wedding to start

Bill and I...Angie, Bruce, Jared, Lourdes and Fred in the background

Matthew coming up the aisle...he looked very handsome

The groom, Alex, giving Matthew a hug

Debbie and Emma coming up the aisle...Diane smiling on the left

Amanda and Tom walking up the aisle

Tom giving Amanda away

Amanda and Alex doing their vows...Emma smiling at the photographer

Husband and Wife

Jared, Amanda, and Kimmy

Alex, Amanda and Vikki

Amanda and Vikki (cousins)

Shani and Vikki (cousins)

Lourdes, Vikki and Fred

Debbie, Vikki and Angie (her aunts)

Melissa, Emma and Bruce

Vikki, Emma and Rody

Bill, Me and Emma

Jared, Emma and Kimmy

Kimmy, Matthew (cousin), Vikki and Melissa

Shani and Sleeping Emma

Amanda and Alex

Me and my nephew, Matthew

My amazing son in laws...Rody, Jared and Bruce

My beautiful amazing daughters, Kimmy, Melissa and Vikki

Rody and Vikki

Jared and Kimmy

Our table....Diane and Mike sat at our table too

Jared, Rody and Vikki

Ashton, Freddy, Lourdes and Fred

Diane and Mike...cousins on Schaard side from Pennsylvania

Sister Angie and I

Bill, Fred and Lourdes

Cousins/sisters/brothers...Diane, Fred, Angie, Ken, Debbie and Bill

 

Me and Missy

Pretty dessert table...the desserts were delicious...best we've ever had

Bill with his sisters and brother

Melissa and Amanda...Amanda was Melissa's flower girl 25 years ago

Me and Amanda

Me and Emma...she was the sweetest and best baby all day

 

Spent the morning getting ready for the wedding.  Put on good worship music. Ate lunch, then left for Grand Rapids at 12:15.  We took the new truck and it rode great, was comfy and got great gas mileage, about 2 1/2 times what our other one got.

We made one bathroom stop and got a candy bar to snack on.  We saw some storm damage with lots of trees down or broken off.  We decided to try to check into our hotel but the parking ramp drive was two way and so narrow either we would have to back up at the turns or the other car would.  After all that, we decided we didn’t have time to check in before the wedding, so went to the Market Place where it was going to be.  Kimmy, Jared, Vikki and Rody ended up pulling in right behind us. Tom and Matthew were just getting out of their car.  We said hi to them. Then went inside.  We walked upstairs and Melissa and Bruce were right where we walked in.  We said hi to them and to our relatives and then went in the greenhouse and sat down with family for the wedding.  It was a short ceremony, only 17 minutes long.  We loved seeing Matthew in the bridal party.  Afterwards we went across the hall into the banquet area and had appetizers.  The girls and husbands and Diane and Mike sat at our table, so we were all happy they put us together.  The food was good and we all had a good time. We loved getting to hold baby Emma.  She was so sweet and went to all of us, even though she doesn’t really know us.  We left around 9 to go check into our hotel and relax.  

Waiting for all the girls to let me know they are home safely!  Kenzie face timed me to show me the baby’s room

Friday, August 25, 2023, Happy Birthday Mark! We love you! Went shopping with Hailey and Melissa, Kimmy, Eli, Vikki and Isaac came over, Melissa and Evan came over to see the camper,

Max had both dogs following him for treats..Abby may be old, but she's not going to be left out if she has anything to do about it.  She and Vader are two great dogs.

Hailey showing me the safari outfit she wears when she takes new college students on a tour

The back

We had lots of fun shopping.  Got this picture when I dropped her off.  Sure love this girl.

Woke up lots last night for some reason.  Slept good the last two hours of the morning though.  I texted Mark in Vietnam to wish him a happy birthday.  Tuyen and he sent me a video right after.  It was cute of them.  Mark thanked me for the birthday greeting and also told me he is praying for me everyday.  Just what I love hearing from my nephew who is dear to my heart.  Sure do love him and his new bride.  

I did some cleaning and then picked Melissa and Hailey up to go shopping.  Hailey and I were in the living room, and Max came in with Vader.  He gave him a treat, and Abby (age 14) went right over by him so she could get a treat.  She can't hear any more, but she is a smart dog who doesn't miss out because she watches what is going on.  She's too funny.  Melissa had gone with Bruce yesterday with Bruce to a store, but had to sit down a couple times.  It's a miracle she could get out and do that.  Today though, it was bigger miracle.   She went to six stores with Hailey and I and kept right up and lasted the whole time.  She was tired, but did amazing.  She and I both found dresses for Amanda's wedding tomorrow.   It was just last week she called so conjested, she was scared she was going to have to go in to the hospital..  We prayed hard and God answered.  We are so thankful.  Hailey found clothes she liked for college too.  I came home and Kimmy came, then Vikki and Isaac came and brought delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.  Kimmy found a cute outfit for the wedding today too.  Vikki helped her pick it out.  We ordered the stuff we need to decorate for our 50th party.  Bill called me when we were shopping and said he found a truck and got a good price for his old truck.  He asked me if he should get it.  We have been praying and the guy that sold it to him was a Christian and said he had been praying too.  It's a smaller truck b because we don't need one for hauling a camper now.  It is a pretty reddish color and very comfortable.  It was getting 24.7 mpg when we were driving it with is over double what we got with our other truck.  I am very  thankful.  The girls liked it too.  He sent Kenzie a picture too and she liked it.  

Melissa and Evan came over in the evening to see the motorhome and the truck.  Melissa really liked it and loved all the storage.  Evan and Papa played ping pong of course.  They sure had fun. She tried her dress with her new socks on for us.  It is so pretty on her.  Bill really liked it too.  He liked my dress too.  Evan had some Oreos with papa.  I steamed Melissa's dress to get the wrinkles out of it.  The steamer sure worked good.  I showed Melissa the inside of the truck when they were leaving.  Bill had already showed Evan.  Melissa sat in it and really liked it.  They left after that.  I texted her after she got home.

                                                                                                                                                               

 

Thurs. 8/24/23, shampooed living room carpet, hung out with Kenzie, went to Olive Garden, Bill put handle on camper door and replaced a couple of latches, and we went to Birch Run to Camping World, got second Shingles shot, went and visited Angie and Carol

Kenzie and I at Olive Garden

When I got home, Bill had this door rail on.  It is so nice.  Now we don't have to reach for that little white handle.  

Woke up early so ate breakfast, drank my coffee, and started shampooing the carpet.  I vacuumed it last night.  It had lots of deep spots on it, but it cleaned up amazingly and looks like new carpet again.  Washed the upholstery on the dining room chairs too. Kenzie was at Vikki’s and called and wanted me to come hang out.  We went to Olive Garden for lunch and had fun visiting while eating our soup, salad and breadsticks.  We back to Vikki’s and she showed me how to make flowers. I made 3.  Vikki got home and a little while later Kenzie left. She want to get home before the storm.  I left shortly after, since Kenzie already showed me how to make a flower and Vikki didn’t have to.

I got home and Bill had the drawer latches the camper place gave him replaced and a beautiful door bar on.  He took me to get my last Shingles shot, then we went to Birch Run.  Got a different grill that fits in the storage compartment of the motorhome.  Will sell our other one.  When Bill took the camper in yesterday to have the leveler installed, they told him our 5th wheel sold already.  I figured it would.  

We went by Carol’s on our way to Birch Run and saw that Angie was there. We didn’t stop in because we knew what an awful ordeal she went through at the airports on her way here and figured she’d be tired out. Her last ordeal was sitting in a plane for 3 hours at Detroit because there was a severe thunderstorm with hail, heavy rain, and wind.  This caused flooding so there was a problem getting her luggage when she did get off the plane.  Shani went to pick her up in Detroit, instead of having her fly the rest of the way and when she got there was told she couldn't get in to pick her up because of flooding.  A nice lady who saw her sitting there said she would find her and bring Angie to her.   I texted Carol on our way back and we picked up a pizza and took it over to eat with them.  We ate and visited for an hour and a half, then came home. I talked to Kenzie on my way home.  It was getting really dark when we got to our house, and when we got in, it started pouring.  I texted with Jacob, Adam and Hailey today.  Talked to Melissa, Vikki and Kimmy.  

 

Wed, 8/23/23, Went with Melody and Debbie to pray over a house, Did some cleaning, proof read some stuff for State CMA Rally, went to Jack's soccer game, went to give Rody his birthday gift

First day of school for beautiful Peyton and handsome Isaac!  You are amazing, caring kids.  GBG...Go Be Great Peyton!  GBG...Go Be Great Isaac.  I love you both!        

 

Jack at his soccer game.  Great job Jack!

 

Jack #6

 

Our Hydrangea is just beautiful this year

Beautiful Monarch on the zinnias

 

 

Bill got up at 5 because he couldn't sleep, so he worked on stuff for the State Rally.  I got up at 7:30.  Went to the Dollar Store to get a wedding card, but they were all out.  Then I went to Walmart and they only had 2 wedding cards.  Last time it was invitations I couldn't find and now wedding cards.  Wonder what's going on!  Very weird.  I picked up some cat food and also some stuff for Melissa and delivered it.  I was happy to see her.  I came home and fed the birds and filled Kit Kat's big food dispenser.  She started munching on the food right away.  I put chlorine in the floater in the pool.  Gayla called and Wes's eye appt. took longer than she thought, so they are coming to look at the motor home on a different day when they have more time. I put some warmer clothes on and waited for Melody to pick me up.  We had a nice visit while we rode to pick Debbie up.  We all went to pray over a house and property that Melody is the realtor for in Vassar.  Some of her previous neighbors are buying it and wanted prayer so we three had the honor of doing it.  We prayed for the Holy Spirit to lead us.  Afterward, we took Debbie home and then she dropped me off.  We enjoyed spending time together and praying together.  I got home, changed clothes, and Bill picked me up (he went to fill my car up for me) and we went to Jack's soccer game.  Jack played great.  We went to Vikki's afterward and gave Rody his birthday gift that we went in on with Vikki.  We got him a super nice futon.  He had told me he wanted one for his office, and Vikki found one today that she knew he would like.  It looks great in his office.  Bill and I had a piece of cake and some ice cream.  Vikki also made us coffee.  She is the hostest with the mostest! She sure took good care of us.  It was nice seeing Kenzie there.  She showed me more baby things she got.  It's getting exciting seeing all this cute stuff.  She made Rody a triple layer birthday cake and decorated it so beautifully.  We get to taste that one tomorrow night when we celebrate again.  We came home and did our zoom meeting with the Area Reps, Treasurer, youth leaders, and RFS reps.  Bill did a great job and it was a good meeting.  I am so proud of him.  I texted with Jack today.

 

Tues., 8/22/23, Adam's first day of School, Evan's first day of school, Adam's first Day of School, First picking of corn from our garden Jacob moved into his dorm today, Weeded around flowers and plants, took cans back, dropped off stuff at thrift store, picked Adam up, picked up Eli's schedule, went to funeral home for Danielle's grandma

Adam's first day school, 11th grade,  Awesome kid, kind and caring...GBG...Go Be Great Adam! I love you!

Evan's first day of school as a 7th grader.  He is so kind and such a great kid.  GBG Evan...Go be Great!  I love you!

Eli being a great helper

Eli and Jacob taking all Jacob's things up to his dorm

Jacob getting organized

 

Jacob and his roommate relaxing after everything was done

I am going to miss this Spartan so much! First year at MSU!  GBG Jacob!  Go Be Great! I love you!

Eli and Jacob

Corn we picked from our garden this morning

A small package of zinnia seeds sure turns into a large beautiful display in the garden

My first flower, turned into a rosebud.  I didn't make a stem so just stuck it in the vased

Vikki with Carmella (8 mos. old).  She just loved Vikki and wouldn't go to Chuck, her great uncle from her.  Almost didn't want to go to her mom, but after a few tries she did.

Me and Peyton with Josey's baby.  She was the happiest and best baby, and was so friendly

Bill took the garbage out, then we picked the corn that was ready in the garden.  Lots of it isn't ready yet.  The corn in the center blew down after it rained 2 1/2 inches a couple of times and the wind blew hard.  It was dry enough to walk in today and not get muddy.  

Bill went to have some camper keys made up for me.  He also picked up some chlorine for the pool.  We will be closing it soon.  Even though we get some hot days, we get more cool days and nights, so the pool water isn't warm and with kids in school it doesn't get used much.  

I talked to Melissa and she said Evan had a great day today and loved school.  I was so happy to hear about his day.  

I went to pick up a foam square for the vent in the camper.  It will make it nice and dark in there when we want to sleep in an also helps keep it cooler on very hot days.  The camper store only had one left.  After that, I dropped stuff off at the thrift store, then took 5 bags of pop cans and Bill's flavored water bottles back.  I came home, and Vikki and Peyton were just pulling in the driveway.  I changed, then we went to Midland to pick up an ankle brace for Adam.  Then we went to Big Boy and Peyton got a shake, Vikki got a grilled cheese sandwich, and I got a Slim Jim and fries.  Peyton shared my fries.  After that we picked Adam up from his soccer practice.  He sure was in a cheerful and happy mood.  I am so glad he has pretty much fully recovered from his concussion and side effects.  One good doctor that knows what to do sure does make a difference.  He is one great kid and I am very thankful to God for his healing.  We stopped at McDonalds and I ordered him a Diet Coke and a McChicken Sandwich.  The girl told me it was buy one get one for a $1 so we ordered another and Adam was very happy since he hadn't eaten all day.  Vikki ran into Eli's school and picked up his schedule, while I turned the car around.  Then we waited for her to come out, which didn't take long.  She sent Kimmy a picture of the schedule so she could show Eli.  We headed to drop Adam off at home.  Bo was running so fast and looked so beautiful in the field.  I wish I could have gotten a video.  We dropped Adam off and then went to the funeral home.  Josey, her husband, and her baby were in the parking lot with Danielle and Brad, so we stood out there and talked for a long time.  Vikki held the baby and she was so happy and content.  She must have held her a half hour while we visited with everyone.  Chuck, Heather and Lee came outside so we talked to them too.  It was so nice seeing everyone.  We went in and talked to Jackie and watched the video of Mrs. Hingston and her family.  She was a very sweet lady.  We were heading home and I was super thirsty, so told Vikki I was going to stop at McDonalds and get a drink.  I pulled over to turn in and McDonalds entrance was blocked off because they are working on it.  Vikki told me to pull into Taco Bell so I did.  We ordered our drinks and got them free, then were going to leave and the guy asked if we wanted a free Dorito taco because it was taco Tuesday. Vikki asked if we could each get one and he said everyone in the car gets a free one.  We parked and ate our free food and drank our free drinks.  Pretty amazing.  Vikki left right away because Kenzie is spending the night at her house and also the kids start school tomorrow and Vikki starts work.  I read my Bible.  Talked to Melissa today and she is feeling a little better.  Can't wait till she feels great again, but she is heading in the right direction.  Talked to Kenzie lots today.  She ordered what I am getting her for her shower and also picked up some nice outfits and stuff.  She sure makes it easy for me.  I sure appreciate her doing that and I love that she's getting what she wants.  All I have to do is wrap them.  Talked to Kimmy lots today too.  I love my family!