Sat. 12/2/23, Went to Jim Estep’s funeral, went to Living Nativity, went to see the City Christmas lights on the way home

My Cappuccino this morning.  Chocolate and broken up candy cane for my topping today.  Used the mug Maddy gave me because all my big Kimmy/Jared mugs were in the dishwasher because of making the girls cappuccinos yesterday.

Waiting to go into the church

In the church

Beautiful packed church....Many who have been coming and many 1st timers.  It’s out in the country and since starting 27 years ago there have been 66,700 people come to it.

We always love it when the angel appears.

Outside listening to shepherds talk about a new king being born 

Our family traditional picture afterwards.  Miss that Jacob and Hailey couldn’t be there.  They were missing being there.  Missed having Melissa and family there too.

Had Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast this morning and a cappuccino.  I went over my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow again.  Bill went to town, so picked up what I need to make my banana cream pudding dessert for one of our Christmas parties tomorrow after church.  I will make it in the morning.  We read our Bibles and then got ready and went to our friend, Jim Estep’s funeral.  We gave our condolences to Peggy and the family, and then sat with friends from Trinity Riders.  It was a moving service with his son sharing about his dad’s life and crying at times.   He loved Jesus and followed Him, so it was a comfort to know he’s with Jesus and not suffering any longer.  There was a wonderful meal afterwards.  We sat with Jim and Laurel who we haven’t seen in a long time, and loved catching up with.  We also sat with a teacher at Peyton and Isaac’s school and her husband.  He was a grandson of one of our friends.

We took a short one hour nap, then we got ready and went to the Living Nativity.  We have been going for 20 years.  I loved it when my mom and dad used to go with us.  Love having the kids and grandkids love it as much as we do.  Kimmy said Jacob would have come home for it and was missing being there.  I would have picked him up if I would have known he could have come home and so would they have.  Hailey went to Nebraska with her friend’s parents and sister, to visit Brianna.   She would have been there otherwise.  We sat in the church listening to some sing, and some play instruments, and at times the congregation gets to pick Christmas songs out of the book and we would sing them.  Then when it’s our turn, our family goes outside and our shepherd takes us on a journey to Bethlehem.  It is so amazing!  They have shepherds along the way and we stop and warm up by their fire while they talk to our shepherd and ask him if he has heard about a king being born.  They said there was a bright light and an angel and they sent shepherds to Bethlehem to check it out.  Then we move along to another fire stop with more shepherds.  After that, we run into the Roman soldiers who are very gruff and say they are going to search us, and say we smell from our journey.  Adam tried to hide by becoming very short, but the soldier saw him and pulled his sweatshirt hood and checked him over.  He told him he was smelly.  We got to a tent and went in to get our parchment rolled up to take and get stamped at the next tent after our shepherd pays our taxes.  Then we go through the marketplace which is so amazing with all the things they are selling and all the animals they are selling.  They have chickens, ducks, rabbits, donkeys, and even a camel.  They are also selling merchandise and camel tongue soup (yuk). We don’t have money to spend, so we pass through and then come to the inn.  The innkeeper tells us there is no room and no food, but tells us about a young couple he just sent to his stable for shelter and she was with child.

He told us there may be room for us there.  We walk a little farther and there are children and others all excited because the savior has been born.  We go around the corner and there is Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  There are donkeys and cows in stalls too.  What a great way and a wonderful tradition to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.  Jesus was born as the savior of the world to take away our sins.  At the end, our shepherd prays with us and we go into the fellowship hall for cookies, cocoa, orange drink or coffee.  I love this family tradition so much.

On the way home, Bill asked if I wanted to go see the Christmas lights.  We went and saw the ones in the city, then went by Brad and Jen’s house because they put up lots and lots.  Then we went by a gated community which a house that had more than even the city lights.

We got home and our lights Bill worked so hard on putting up in the cold, were just beautiful and our nativity the kids got us looked amazing.  We have much to be thankful for.  Jesus is number 1.  

 

Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, Happy 18th Birthday Max! We love you! Kimmy, Melissa, Hailey and Vikki came over today, Made applesauce

Happy Birthday Max!  We love you so much!  You are an awesome grandson!

These are all the pictures we took this morning.  Hailey’s .5’s lol.  We look like giants in this one.  

Always fun with Hailey.  She is so expressive.

This 

attachment to my Kitchenaid sure makes peeling and slicing apples easy

 

Made applesauce

Made a cappuccino and oatmeal for breakfast.  Kimmy called because she wanted to come over for our Friday hangout day.  I was so happy.  I called her back to see if she wanted me to make her a cappuccino.  She said yes and said she was getting close.  I made it and she got here right when it was ready.  We called Melissa to see if she wanted to come over.

Hailey was home, so she asked her if she wanted to come.  She did.  Melissa waited for her to get ready, then called us so we could meet them at Walmart and I got a few groceries while they got their over the counter stuff.  We all came to my house afterwards and hung out.  We made carved turkey sandwiches for lunch.  We had chips with it.  I had dip with mine and remembered how last night I had Fritos and dip in a bowl and I set it down between Bill and I.  He reached in to take some of my Fritos and stuck his fingers in the dip.  Then asked me to get a napkin and said what is that.  I had to laugh.  He will be careful when he reaches into my bowl next time.  He would never try dip.  It’s like cheese to him.

I told the girls about it today and they had a good laugh too.  When Vikki got out of work, she came over too.  We had such a good time talking and spending time together.  Hailey had to leave first.  She went to pick up Jack and Brianna’s sister from school.  Kimmy left next.  Bill came home to get the number he needed to pick Evan up from school for Melissa.  Vikki had to pick the kids up, so she took Melissa home since she goes close to her house.  Bill texted me and said he was taking Evan to Culver’s.  So happy they got to hang out and spend time together.  Bruce took Max to Chicago for the day for his birthday, so he could see how Vader does in the big City.  Can’t wait to hear how it went.  I decided to do the apples I had bought.  It went so fast with the peeler/slicer attachment.  I was done in no time and made applesauce and also put some sliced apples in the freezer.  We watched a Christmas movie after that.  It was really good.

Thurs., 11/30/23, Kenzie went to her dr. appt. She is 39 weeks tomorrow. Baby can come at any time! Yay! Put the nativity out, went shopping, Met with Fred at Carols, went to Isaac’s first band concert

Bill took a picture last night of the lights he put up at our house..You can see the flags blowing.  It was very cold and windy when he put them up

Bill putting the finishing touches on the nativity.  It was much nicer today, 48 degrees and sunny.  I helped him since it was so nice out. 

All Done

Tom, Matthew, Debbie, Fred, Carol, me and Bill

Isaac before his concert...such a great kid

Isaac at his concert...he did a great job

Isaac in front of the director

Isaac leaning over to talk to a friend before a song

Tonight with the nativity added

 I got up early and took my shower, then ate and had my coffee.  Listened to great worship music, then read our Bibles.  After that, Bill asked me if I wanted to set the outside Nativity up with him.  Since it was so nice out, I told him I did.  I brought the pieces down from upstairs, but had him bring the 3 shepherds in a box because that one was heavy.  He had plug strips nailed to the stable which made it very easy to set the nativity up and plug everything in.  He also had one in the bottom to plug more stuff into.  It went super fast and was fun setting up.  Vikki and the kids usually help us, and they had offered, but this is the warmest day and no rain in the forecast for today.  Tomorrow and Saturday are cooler with rain both days.  Also with meeting Fred and Bill’s sisters and families, then Isaac having his concert, we couldn’t work it out today the get the kids to help.  Vikki called me.  She went to Kenzie’s dr. appt. with her and tomorrow she will be 39 weeks.  Baby can come any day now.  Yay!

I went shopping after we were done.  When I got home, I put Fred and Carol’s birthday gifts in bags and wrote out their cards.   Then I ordered the pizzas and breadsticks and we left to pick them up at G’s and then headed to Carol’s.  My sister, Brenda, called me so I talked to her on the way.  It was nice hearing from her.  Debbie was already there.  Bill and I had a piece of Carol’s sheet cake while we waited for Fred and everyone else to get there.  Fred got there a half hour late, then 15 minutes later, Tom and Matthew came.  We ate and visited.  I was so happy Matthew got to come.  He told me about a Bible Study he is in with 13 other guys where they study the Bible and apply it to their lives. He loves Jesus and he loves the church he goes to which is a good one that preaches truth from the Bible. I’m so thankful for the love of Jesus people show him at his church.  Debbie picked up a birthday cake she ordered from Zhender's for Fred and Carol.  It was delicious, but Carol’s was even better.  They opened their gifts and liked them.  Shani came right as we were getting ready to leave for Isaac’s concert.  We said our goodbye’s to everyone, then left.

Vikki, Rody and Peyton saved us seats at the school for Isaac’s concert.  It was in the auditorium so was nice an comfy.  The Pruitt’s sat ahead of us so we talked with them for a while.  Their son played violin in the orchestra.  They did a great job.  After the orchestra, the music class sang.  They sure did a great job and sounded amazing.  Then Isaac’s band played.  Issac looked so handsome.  He did a great job playing his clarinet.  We weren’t were we could see him good because the director was in front of him.  It’s amazing to see how well they did for just beginners.  We waited to see Isaac afterwards.

We came home and watched a Christmas movie.  It was a good one. but I can’t remember the name of it.

Wed., 11/29/23, Finished decorating the house, Bill put lights up outside, I went to Vikki’s....Kenzie blessed me with lots of goodies she made to eat

My Christmas cactus is blossoming

Today was warmer, so Kit Kat made a comfy spot on the side of the house

Isaac enjoying a bowl of crackers

Peyton with her braided hair

Rooms are decorated.  Didn’t put out as many decorations this year.

And the star is straightened!!!

Charlie had a test at the hospital this morning, then he picked Bill up to go for coffee.  I made oatmeal and a cappuccino.  Listened to worship music while I ate.  While Bill was gone I finished decorating.  When he got home, we read our Bibles.  Kenzie called and said she would let me know when she was done baking at Omi’s so I could meet her at her moms, because she had some yummy things she made to give me.  She was sweet and stopped at Melissa’s to drop some goodies off for them too.  Bill hauled all the totes back upstairs.  He went outside for quite a while.  It was still pretty cold out and windy, but not as bad as yesterday.  Kenzie let me know she was at Vikki’s, so I headed over there.  Kenzie had chocolate covered peanut butter balls, chocolate covered walnuts, peanut butter fudge, and pretzels with a Rolo and M & M.  Everything was delicious.  She also had made Cranberry juice and brought me a jar.  She poured it into a glass for me.  It was so good.  I am going to be making some of that.  Thank you so much Kenzie!!! I love you!  Vikki was making some Minestrone soup.  She had gotten it at the store in New Lothrop.  I got some Vegetable Beef when I was there.  The Minestrone was so good that I can’t wait to try the other kind.  We had lots of laughs while eating it because the little round noodles kept making faces in our spoons.  It was a had to be there moment.

I dropped Peyton and Isaac off at church on my way home.  The lights Bill put up looked beautiful in the dark.  He did a great job.  He took some pictures and sent them to me.  All we have to do is put the Nativity pieces out there now.  

We watched a movie, about Christmas in Holly.  It was filmed in Holly, Michigan.  It was a little boring and wasn’t our favorite.  

Texted with Maddy today.  Brielle just got diagnosed with Sleep Apnea that is severe.  They are talking about taking her tonsils out although she is pretty little for that or a Cpap machine.  That would be so hard too.  Praying for healing for our sweet girl.  She is a year old now.  Her eye she had problems with when she was a baby looks amazing now.  You can’t even tell anything was wrong.  She is the most joyful, smiley little girl.  

Tues., 11/28/23, Decorated our Christmas tree, put up other Christmas decorations, went to Melissa's

I put an old snowmobile suit and blanket on top of Kit Kat’s house to make it warmer for her.  Well she went on top under the blanket.  That lump under the blanket on top is her.  She is such a silly cat, but smart and knows how to get warm

Christmas tree all decorated...have to turn the star on the top a little but that will happen tomorrow

I was taking a picture of Evan and Abby in front of their tree and he’s gotten so tall, I can hardly see the tree.  

Ate my usual breakfast, then read my Bible.  After that, Bill and I brought the Christmas decorations down from upstairs.  I am so thankful for walk in attics. 

Bill helped me get the lights on the tree, then he went outside and got the stable he made for our nativity set up in front of the house.  He worked outside for quite a while.  I finished decorating the tree and decorated the fireplace in the family room.  Put other decorations out too.  Then decided to finish the rest tomorrow.

I ran some outside Christmas lights and other things to Melissa’s.  Some of their outside lights burned out and when she told me, I told her I would drop ours off.  We aren’t putting lots of lights outside anymore.  We’re just putting out the Nativity, doing spotlights on the pillars and the moving Christmas ornament lights on the garage.  Evan met me in the driveway and helped carry stuff.  I went in to see their tree.  All three dogs greeted me at the door.  I gave them some treats.  Melissa’s tree looked beautiful.  I told Evan I wanted to take a picture of him and he said in front of the tree.  So funny when I looked at it because their tree looked big, but I could hardly see it in the picture because Evan has gotten so tall and big.  I headed to Aldi after that, and got a few things I needed.  Then I came home and finished some more decorating.  I talked with Kenzie a few times today, and also Vikki.  I fell asleep on the loveseat for a little while and Melissa called.  I thought it was morning lol.  Glad she woke me up so I still will sleep good tonight.  I made Bill some popcorn.  He had asked me to right as I was getting ready to nap, so I told him I would make him some later.  

We ate warmed up noodle casserole for dinner, then watched a good movie called, Christmas Angel.  Such a great story about noticing others needs and giving secretly to help meet them.   

Monday, 11/27/23, Bill went with Charlie for coffee, Roy and Marie and Vikki came for dinner, Bill bought the tree up, I spread out the branches while he went to an Elder's meeting

 

Our tree fits perfectly in this corner.  Why didn't we figure this out earlier.  Every year, we have moved the couch and loveseat around so the tree would fit in the other corner.  We also had to move end tables and the coffee table.  Now we only have to move one chair and we like it hear better.  This is the only picture I took today.  I only have the lamp there to see better when I work on the tree.

I got up at 5:30 and started the chicken cooking in the crockpot.  I went back to bed until 9.  I had my oatmeal and just had regular coffee this morning.  Bill and I read our Bibles and then Charlie picked him up.  I made brownies and just put a nut on top of each.  That way of the girls come, they can pick the nut off.  At 11, I cut up the chicken and put the soup in the crockpot.  Marie had a doctor appointment today, so I invited her and Roy to come for lunch today.  I texted Vikki to see if she could come too.  I cooked the noodles and peas and added them to the crockpot.  Bill got home.  Vikki texted to say she was on her way.  She got here a little while before Roy and Marie.  She said the sidewalk was icy, so I went out into that freezing weather, 25 degrees and very windy, and put salt down.  Marie and Roy pulled in while I was doing that, so I just had them come in through the garage.  They visited in the family room while I got the coffee and tea poured.  We all ate and enjoyed our time together.  They liked the casserole and took seconds.  That made me happy.  Vikki made me sit and visit while she cleaned up the table and kitchen.  So sweet of her.  We all went back in the family room and sat and visited a long time.  Vikki had to go get the kids from school.  Marie and Roy were ready for dessert, so we all had the brownies.  Vikki had some before she left.  It was such a nice day.  Bill brought the Christmas tree up from the basement for me.

In the evening, Bill went to an Elder's meeting and I spread out all the branches nicely on the tree.  That always makes it look better.  Tomorrow it will get decorated.  We sure are enjoying having this electric fireplace in the living room on these cold days.  

Sunday, 11/26/23, went to church, went to Olive Garden, went to Bridgeport to get toilet, went to Kenzie’s, went to New Lothrop,

Kenzie’s house when we pulled in

Kit Kat and Kenzie’s little Christmas tree in the background.

Pretty Barn we went by.  The snow made everything look so pretty.

 

A goose crossed the road in front of us.

Then came a duck

Toilet after they put it in

Kenzie laying down by Katniss

Travis working on taking the old light down

 

Yikes, the ladder is on a step...I sure was praying

Yay, Travis got the new light up with his assistant helping direct.  It looks so nice!

Eli and Wyatt...I sure was happy to see everybody when they came home from their Georgia trip tonight.  Sure have missed them.  Wyatt was happy to see everybody too.

Adam

We went to prayer at church.  I gave Joan and Pastor some butter horns.  She gave me a big hug and thanked me.  I give them some every year.  I talked to Lisa a few minutes too.  She has had medical issues for a few months and this was the first time I've seen her back at church.  So thankful she was there.  We went into the church service after prayer.  Vikki, Rody and the kids sat by us.  It was such a great message.  I posted it on my Facebook page.

We prayed for people after the service.  

Talked to some friends, then went to lunch at the Olive Garden with Diane and James.  Marie and Roy came in and we asked them to sit with us too.  It was their 60th anniversary.  The waitress pulled up another table and put it with ours.  We had such a nice time and the food was delicious.  I got lasagna today.  Bill got his usual spaghetti with meat sauce.  Bill mentioned it was Roy and Marie's anniversary, so the waitress brought them some free cheesecake to celebrate.  Jared let me know what time they were supposed to arrive at Jacob's dorm and kept updating it for me.  

After we left there, we headed to Bridgeport to meet someone and bought a toilet Bill saw on Facebook Marketplace.  It was a new Swiss Madison with the smooth sides all the way around the bottom.  We have one like it in the downstairs bathroom, but it's a Kohler.  The guy loaded it in our truck for us and then we headed to Kenzie's so Bill could help Travis put the toilet they got in and also help change the light in at the top of the stairway.  Travis and Kenzie gave me a Poinsettia Travis had bought at the store for me.  That was so sweet of him.  Kenzie showed me how nice the upstairs looks after she and Vikki worked on organizing it and decorating it.  It looks beautiful.  They worked very hard as there were lots of things to sort through and organize.

Bill and Travis work well together.  There were 4 lights in the ceiling of the living room that wouldn't work, and they got those working too.  Kenzie and I went to a store and diner called Tip & Point.  They had some of everything, plus had a nice diner and a meat market/grocery store too.  We had fun walking through and looking and also buying some stuff.  

Bill called and he and Travis needed to go to Home Depot, so he needed his truck keys.  I told him I asked him if I could take them with me and he said yes.  We headed back and I called him and told him they should take the car, because we had the toilet in the back of the truck still.  That's what they did.  He told me they were waiting outside and they were lol.

Kenzie made hot cocoa for us and we had donuts that I picked up at the little store.  Yum!  Kenzie and I gave Katniss lots of attention.  She is the sweetest cat and is really cuddly now.  She used to hide on me when she was little. Kenzie's little Christmas tree is so cute.  When the guys got back, they had donuts I picked up at the little store.  

The new toilet works great and the new light looks amazing.  We left and headed for home.  Talked to Vikki and she pulled in our driveway about 15 minutes before we got home.  She brought Wyatt, so Kimmy and Jared wouldn't have to go all the way to her house.  Kimmy, Jared and the boys got to our house about 10 minutes after we got home.  The boys carried our new toilet upstairs for Bill.  We were so thankful for that.  Great timing.  So thankful to see everyone and get our hugs. 

Melissa called me and told me about something she heard on channel 5 where people whose phones are close can get your contacts, pictures, etc.  The police are telling people what to do if they have an I-phone to disable the feature.  Go into iPhone settings, click general, then airdrop, and shut off "bringing devices together."  I did it right away and called Kimmy and Vikki so they would know.  Want to let everyone I know with an iPhone about this.