Friday, 10/27/23, Kimmy, Eli, Melissa, Hailey, Jack, and Vikki came over, Wes and Gayla came over, Melissa, Hailey, Jack, Evan and Conner came over, went to Marie and Roy’s for dinner

This picture shows Hailey’s s personality perfectly 

Loved having our college girl Hailey come over today!

Love that Eli and Jack were off from school and could come over too!  Badger in the picture was them!

We even had Abby here.  Hailey and I were so happy and gave her lots of attention!

It was so nice having Jack’s friend Connor come over too!

Hailey, showing papa where her Christian group will be staying during the it N. Carolina retreat. Such a beautiful place!

Everyone just hanging out 

Bill’a lawnmower went in the ditch.  He got off of it before it went in.  So thankful he was ok

Drying to get it out

It rolled in there all the way 

Lawn needs some repair 

Beautiful leaves Kenzie got off her bush today

Baby's room is ready and looking beautiful.  Kenzie did a great job decorating it.

 

 I got up early and got 2 loaves of bread going in the bread makers.  I made yummy  egg salad so we could have it for sandwiches on the home made bread.  I made a blueberry pie to take to Roy and Marie's tonight too.  Debbie from the Marine Corp League came to pick up a large cooler and some other things Bill has been storing for them.  I talked to her for a few minutes, then she drove her car back by the shed for Bill to put the stuff in.  When the pie got done,  I ran to Sam's Club to get Premium Protein Drinks for Bill, some burger for chili, and some other things.  I went to Aldi's for ground turkey to make Kimmy's chili for Tuesday night at Melissa and Bruce's.  I picked up some Ritz Crackers, and a head of cabbage too.  When I got home, Kimmy and Eli were there.  Kimmy was walking outside in the back yard.  I opened the back door and said hi and she came and helped me with groceries and so did Eli.  Bill was oiling the barn door in the hallway because it was squeaking.  They started putting outside stuff away.  I had to get the bread out of the bread makers and then went out to help.  Kimmy took an outside chair to the shed because I was making room in the garage for stuff.  I went to the shed to help find a place for it and she was already in my flower garden, digging zinnia's.  I went to help her, but the zinnias were lying on the ground and instead of digging a zinnia, I started digging a butterfly weed plant.  Good thing Kimmy said something before I dug the root.  Whoops.  I dug a few out, but Kimmy had the rest all done.  We put them in Yard Waste Cans and then Eli took them to the front of the house.  He was quite funny to watch.  He was trying to carry both of them in his arms, but that wasn't happening.  I told him he could just pull them because they were on wheels, but then he stacked one on top of the other and pulled it that way.  He's cute!  Thank you so much Kimmy and Eli for your help.  We sure appreciate you.  We got done, and Kimmy and I walked one more time around the house, then went inside.  

Shortly after that, Melissa, Hailey (she was a nice surprise), and Jack came over.  Hailey shadowed a Physical Therapist at Midland Hospital in the morning.  Jack and Eli had fun hanging out together and so did we girls.  We ate the yummy egg salad on homemade bread.  Those that didn't want egg salad had turkey and cheese.  There also was Fettucini from Aldi.  We had blueberry muffins for dessert.  We finished eating and then I put things away. When Vikki got out of work, she came and ate too.  We all sat around the table for a long time.  Then the girls said dad's going to get stuck driving his truck across the lawn.  That made me go to the window and I saw why.  He was trying to pull his lawnmower out of the ditch.  He jumped off of it before it rolled in the ditch.  I am so thankful he's ok.  His truck wheels were just spinning.  I was praying of course.  He decided to get his longer tow rope and try it.  After two tries, he got it out.  We sure were thankful.  Bruce and Max were heading over to help, but we called and told them it was out.  Melissa went and picked up Evan, and Jack's friend Connor.  Kimmy left to go pick up Adam.  Vikki took Eli home with her so he could go to our church with her and see the Jesus Revolution movie tonight.  Wes and Gayla stoped over for about 20 minutes.  They left to go pick up Joel.  Around 3:45, Melissa, Hailey, Jack, Evan and Connor came over again.  Jack and Evan wanted to play ping pong with papa and Evan had a fundraiser for school to raise money for his Washington DC trip or Harley trip if they do that.  It was a neat fundraiser.  All we had to do was pick a day on the calendar and we paid whatever the date was.  We could pick whichever one we wanted according to what we wanted to give.  All the money goes in an account Bruce and Melissa have for Evan's trip.  Bill picked the 28th because it was his birthday date.  He missed it when Melissa said you have to pay what the date is.  He didn't change it though.   We had to get ready to leave for Marie and Roy's so they gave us hugs and left.  

We had a great time at Marie and Roy's with them and Dennis and Amy.  She had a delicious salad made which we ate first.  Then we had homemade beef vegetable soup that was so good.  She made noodles for us to put in it if we wanted and she also had homemade cornbread.  We had my pie for dessert and everyone said it was delicious.  She asked me to fill the bowls and carry them in so I did.  I was a little nervous because she just got new carpet put in.  No spills though PTL.  Roy and I cleared the table afterwards and rinsed the dishes.  He loaded them all in the dishwasher.  He's 87 is in such good shape.  We all sat around the table talking and then prayed together for prayer requests we all had.  Bill shared his vision God gave him.  I always love hearing it and remembering when he had it how he was glowing and so joyful.  We all left around 8 and when I got home, I made chili for tomorrow's chili cook off.  I just found out about it the day before yesterday and Bill told me it was a chili cook off today.  Got it done and had time to relax.   

 

Thurs., 10/26/23, Vacuumed upstairs, went to Zhenders with Kimmy and Vikki to celebrate their birthdays

 

Cappuccino I made this morning.  Next time I will cut ingredients in l
half as it was way too much even for my biggest Kimmy Mug

Rainy fall day...lots of leaves falling today

It was so pretty driving into Frankenmuth today.

Fun at Bronner's afterward so they could get their free ornament for their birthday

I am always so happy when Kimmy and Vikki invite me along to Zhenders when they get their free birthday dinners.  I get a half hot chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes and dressing and then I get to eat all the sides they don't like but I love.

On our way home, the sun was shining through the clouds.  It was so beautiful!

Peyton was so happy when she came to our house today and Kenzie told her she could have her build a bear bunny.  

Jacob and his clarinet quartet (in the maroon) with the Presidents band.  So awesome all the opportunities Jacob has had.  His diligence and love for music has opened many doors for him.  

I made a delicious cappuccino today.  Topped it off with cinnamon and honey and it was so good.  Made oatmeal with raisins, walnuts and banana's today.  Bill drank his protein drink.  We read our Bibles after that.  I sorted through stuff we have upstairs and put some stuff away and the rest is for the thrift store.  Vacuumed upstairs too, and put the parts to the floor air conditioner in the box in the attic.  I sure love my Dyson which is easily carried with one hand upstairs.  Bill had to work more on the toilet.  The water kept running, so he got another part and fixed it today.  

I was going to make a late lunch and started warming up Chicken Fettuccini when I decided I had better check with Kimmy and make sure we weren't going to Zhender's today.  She said she could go if Bill could pick up Adam and Eli.  I called Melissa to see if she could pick up Peyton and Isaac (we had Bill set up to do that) and she said she could.  Then Kimmy called me back and said Jared said he could pick up her boys.  Meanwhile, I was talking to Melissa who remembered they had an appointment, so she couldn't pick up Peyton and Isaac.  She was happy when I told her Kimmy had just called and now Bill wasn't needed there, so could pick up Peyton and Isaac.  Everything worked out...Vikki was just getting ready to eat too, but I messaged her in time that she didn't.  Kimmy came here and then we picked Vikki up on our way.  The colors on the way there were so beautiful.  We got to Zhender;s and got seated right away and had the best waiter.  He was so nice and did such a great job.  He got a great tip from us!  Kimmy and Vikki's meals would have been 29.99 each.  Mine was only $13.99 and I have enough for tomorrow left over.  I enjoyed being able to share their side dishes....Cole slaw, cottage cheese, liver pate' and garlic bread, Stollen bread, cranberries, yummy vegetables, and some of their noodles.  Everything was so delicious.  It's always fun spending time with the birthday girls there.  It has been a tradition for a long time now.  We packed up all the leftovers and had a meal for Jared, one for Rody and one for Bill.  The boys will be happy.  

We went to Bronner's after that so the girls could pick up their free ornament.  We walked through the whole store and had so much fun looking at everything and remembering our Merry and Bright memory.  

The sun was setting and shining through the clouds on the way home.  It was dark when we got to my house.  Kimmy left right away.  Bill warmed his food we brought to him and was very happy to have it.  Thank you Kimmy and Vikki for always thinking of him and sharing with him.  Vikki face timed me and was able to see him enjoying it.  

Isaac sent me the funny video of the picture Rody had made for Bill and I for our anniversary.  It is so funny, I put it on the blog.  Enjoy a good laugh.

Wed., 10.25/23, Went to Melissa's and had some of Bruce's homemade cider, took stuff to Impact Designs, Bill took Max to Cops and Donuts, Listened to New Speaker of the House's speech

Evan on the far right in the back row singing in the choir for the church service Sunday

On the corner of our road a mile down on my way to Melissa's.  So beautiful!  What an amazing fall.

I took a shower, then ate my oatmeal and had my coffee.  Bill had a 9 a.m. appointment at the VA.  I did a load of laundry and took some things that belong in the camper out and brought a couple of things in.  Nice temps today in the 60's, but misting out a lot today.  I went to Melissa's and had a nice visit with her and had some of Bruce's delicious homemade apple cider Bruce made from our apples.  It was the best!  

Bill came home and worked on our toilet tank parts to get it working right.  The water was running constantly.  After he was done, we ran to Impact Designs of our Rescue Mission here and dropped off a nice table we had our tv on and also a stand with glass shelves we had our electronics for our tv on.  We don't need them because our new TV cabinet has plenty of room for everything.  The guy who helped Bill unload, commented on how nice the stuff was.  Impact Design collects things and then when someone who has completed the program is ready to move in their own place, they furnish it for them and try to decorate it according to what they like.  It is just amazing to see the places after they are finished decorating them.  

Bill went to spend time with Max and ended up taking him to Cops and Donuts.  I love it when Bill and the grandkids spend time together.  He loves it too.  He is a wonderful grandpa!  I listened to the new Speaker of the House's speech.  I loved it! He seems like such a kind man and seems to know what our country needs to get back on track.  

I talked with Vikki, Kimmy and texted with Adam today.  He wanted me to pray for his friend's dad and their family.  He is such a caring grandson!  I love that so much about him.

 

Tues., 10/24/23, Got up to 76 degrees, Had blood test, Went to Baynes, Kenzie and Melissa came over, put more outside stuff away, got groceries

Kit Kat when I got home and parked in the garage.  She was pawing on the windshield to get to me

Melissa and Kenzie with their food at Baynes

Kenzie, Melissa and I drinking our hot cider at Bayne's

Melissa's food!  Our food was all delicious

Me and Melissa ready to eat!  We both got Club Sandwiches and Au gratin Potatoes

Kenzie's yummy food...A Monte Cristo Sandwich, Au gratin Potatoes and Brussels sprouts.  The Brussel sprouts were amazing!  She gave me a bite and it was the best I have ever had.

Beautiful tree Melissa and I saw when we finished our walk

Beautiful bushes and trees in Melissa subdivision too

Isaac and Peyton in their mom's lunch line

I got ready and went early to have my blood tested.  Happy I did, because I didn't have a long wait and the waiting room filled up after I went in.  The lady who did my bloodiest was so nice.  She was born in Arkansas and loved Jesus.  We talked about our faith a lot. 

I went to Aldi's and got some groceries afterward.  Kenzie called when I got in the driveway and asked if I wanted to go to Bayne's.  She wanted Aunt Missy to come too, so I called and asked her.  She said yes, so Kenzie picked her up.  Kenzie called me when she got to Melissa's and said they were leaving.  They got talking and went right to Bayne's instead of coming to my house and riding together.  It's only 5 minutes away, so I drove over to meet them.  I walked in and saw them right away.  They looked beautiful sitting there!  We relaxed and had our hot ciders at a table by the window.  A group was coming and had planned to sit outside, but a few sprinkles were falling, so the waitress asked if we minded moving to a different table.  We didn't so we moved to a table for 3.  We got our food and we all loved it!  So delicious!!!!  After we finished eating, we looked around at everything for sale.  Then we came to my house and Kenzie and I did a return to Amazon of something she ordered here for the baby. I turned the fireplace on for Melissa to see.  Hailey Face Timed Melissa, and we all enjoyed talking to her.  She has the cutest expressions and looked beautiful.  She is doing great and loving her Christian group, Unite and worship.  She's loving college too.  She's such a great kid!  She will be finished reading her Bible all the way through next month.  I'm so proud of her.  That is a wonderful accomplishment.  We face timed for a long time.  Kenzie had to leave.  I walked out and called Kit Kat because she wanted to see her.  Kit Kat came running to us when she heard me.  She is such a cute kitty.  Kenzie gave her some attention which she thoroughly enjoyed.  Melissa and I went and walked on the rail trail by the township hall.  It was sunny, but there was a breeze so it was a great da for walking.  We headed to Melissa's, and stopped and picked up donuts and a pumpkin muffin for the boys.  I had already picked up two pumpkin muffins and a blueberry muffin in the morning.  So Bruce and Melissa could have one.  I dropped Melissa off and then came home.  Bill had finished mowing the grass and it looked great.  I gave Kit Kat some more attention.  When it starts getting cold she doesn't get as much attention.   I came inside and relaxed while Bill napped.  I was going to nap, but decided it was so nice I needed to get some more outside stuff done.  I washed and put away all the small round tables on the back deck and front porch.  Washed the glass bird baths and put them away.  Pulled some plants out in the planters on the deck and put them in the yard waste.   Set the trap to catch Mr. Raccoon.  Hopefully I don't catch Kit Kat.  Read my Bible and then relaxed.  

 

Monday, 10/23/23, Got up at 11 a.m., went to Kimmy's and visited with her, Kenzie and Jacob, took Jacob to lunch at Culver's, we nt to Super Cafe with Vikki and Kenzie, Went to Vikki's house, talked with Melissa

On my way to Kimmy's house after I got off the expressway

Kenzie feeding Bo.  We all gave him sugar cubes Kenzie brought, then she gave him peanuts.  He spit them out.  Guess he was disappointed it wasn't sugar lol.  He did eat them after we picked them up and tried again

Steve followed me and really wanted attention today.  I love faithful Steve.

Basil is such a beautiful kitten.  He reminds me of our Amish Kitty when the kids were young

Kimmy and Kenzie...Kenzie picked up coffee and pumpkin donuts and brought them

Adam, Jacob, me, and Eli holding Basil.  Adam and Jacob were goofing around that's why I am leaning 

Beautiful color on my drive home

I'm glad it was still at peak when I got home.  I think this is the most beautiful I've seen in quite a while

This is right down our road.  It is absolutely beautiful!

Peyton, me and Isaac

Lucy trying out the baby travel bed 

Saw Michael who was in my K-1 Sunday School class when he was little.  We were so happy to see each other and gave each other a big hug.  He was an amazing kid who loved learning about Jesus and always wanted to help.  He would come visit me even after he moved up to the next class.  He is still shining for Jesus as he was waiting for kids to come so he could lead the Bible study.  

Kenzie's baby ultra sound today.  So cute.  His little hand was by his face again.

We slept in until 11 a.m.  Bill got ready and went to meet Charlie and I called Kimmy.   We came up with a plan for me to go there so I could see Jacob.  I was so happy when I heard he was there still.  I was only going to stay for about a half hour because Kenzie and Kimmy were going to Kenzie's ultrasound.   Then on the way, I thought of me taking Jacob to lunch while they were at the appointment.  I called to see if he wanted to go and he did.  The ride there was absolutely awesome.  It sure declared the glory of God who created it.  Wow!  

When I got to Kimmy's, I got my hugs which I have missed, and we visited for a while, then went outside and gave Bo some treats Kenzie brought.  She brought Kimmy a cappuccino and pumpkin donuts too.  She is so sweet and thoughtful.  They left for Kenzie's appointment and Jacob and I left for Culver's.

That's where he wanted to go eat.  We each got chicken strips only he got spicy ones and I got plain.  We got fries too and a concrete mixer.  He got a pop with his.  I got a water when I took a bite of my chicken strip and it was really really hot.  We had fun talking, eating, looking at pictures and taking pictures. He is pretty happy with his new phone.  It takes amazing pictures, so I had him take some pictures and send them to me.  On our way back to his house, we listened to some Carmen songs.  We watched Carmen videos when we got to his house.  Kimmy, Adam and Eli came home and I was so happy to get to see them and get my hugs.  We took a picture with me looking short again.  Bill texted me to say I should have called him and he would have met Jacob and I for lunch.  It was right after he left to meet Charlie though, so I knew he wouldn't have had time.  I left for home, and when I got home, Kenzie called me and said they were going to Super Cafe and invited me to come.  I was still full, so she told me to come sit with them.  I told her I would bring my water and come.  Bill said he had time to come before his Elder's meeting to come eat quick, so he came too.  They were really happy to see him since they didn't know he was coming.  We saw Jeff Davis there.  He is an Elder at our church too.  He came to our table afterward and brought Michael Rigterink to see us.  I was so happy to see him and get a big hug.  What a great kid he is.  Bill left to go to his meeting and I went to Vikki's to hang out with Vikki and Kenzie.  I was so happy to see Peyton and Isaac and get my hugs from them too.  It was nice to get to see Rody too.  Kenzie showed me some new clothes she got for the baby.  They are so cute.  I can't wait to see this sweet great grand baby.   Vikki gave me a cute back pack, a cute purse and a cute little basket.  She is so sweet and so generous.  I told her I was going to buy a backpack like she and Kenzie have and she told me she had one to give me.  

When I got home, I was thinking that I needed to call Melissa, but thought I should wait a while because she was probably busy tucking kids in bed.  About 5 minutes later she called me.  I was so happy to talk to her and talk to the boys in the background.  Bill talked to them too.  I can't wait to see them and get hugs from them.  I am going to call Melissa and figure out a time to go to her house tomorrow after my blood test.  What a great day.  My heart is happy to be home with my family.  

Sunday 10/22//23, Said our goodbyes and left for home, saw some pretty fall colors in Illinois

Leaving Angie and Ray’s this morning

Angie waving to us from inside the house 

Caught in a traffic jam in Illinois 

Isaac’s putting the words up for worship. Hens amazing!

 

After leaving at 9 this morning, we just snacked until 9 tonight when we got out of heavy backed up traffic by Chicago because of construction and stopped at Culver’s 

We got ready, Angie made coffee in our mugs for us, and we hugged and said out goodbyes.  Angie and I cried and gave extra big hugs.  Bill drove through the big cities today and I drove on expressways in the country.  There sure was some beautiful colors in Illinois.  Not much traffic because of it being Sunday.  A little more by big cities, but not bad. I loved driving though the hills.

We texted with Angie to let her know where we were along the way.  She listened to our church service.  We listened to last week’s message, then today’s message.  Pastor talked about the same thing we talked about last night with Angie and Ray and used the same scriptures we shared with them last night.  The Holy Spirit is awesome how He does that.  We talked with Vicki and Melissa while Bill drove which was so nice!  I am missing my whole family back home. 

We got in a traffic jam around Chicago.  It would have been so much worse in the daytime.  We stopped to eat after we got through it.  We decided to keep going after we ate and got to Michigan at 3 a.m.  We did what we needed to do and then went to bed.  We were both very tired.