Sunday, 3/31/24, Happy Blessed Easter! Jesus has Risen! He’s Alive! It was a fun family day here, celebrating Jesus and enjoying family time together!

Jack, Hailey and Evan in front, 

Bill and I at church this morning

Kimmy took this of me when she got here

Food table all ready 

Stacie, Hailey, Peyton and Jack

Evan, Stacie, Hailey, Rody, Melissa and Jack

These cousins call themselves the “cool” cousins

Kenzie with Rehvyn’s basket

Eli with his basket

Adam with his money

Jacob with his basket

Jared hauling all of the eggs outside for the Easter Egg hunt

The egg hunt line up....Hailey, Adam, Jack, Eli, Evan, Peyton, Isaac and Kody

Different view that Melissa took

Wow, these kids move fast...Peyton running on the deck, Evan leaping off the deck

Kody

Jack and Eli

Adam and Jacob were blocking Hailey and trying to get the eggs before she could.  Eli being a good boy!

It was fun watching all the kids have so much fun

I was picking up eggs for Hailey up by the house.  I loaded my sweatshirt pockets with them, then went and dumped them in Hailey’s bucket.  I didn’t know someone was taking a picture. (KIMMY)  I love the big smile on Hailey’s face and I have to admit I had just as big of a smile on my face.  We fixed those boys!!!!  Go Girls!

Jack, Adam, Jacob, Hailey, Eli, Peyton, Isaac, Kody and Jack

Sorting the stuff in their eggs

Kenzie with Abby

Bill and Rehvyn

Stacie and Rehvyn

Me and Rehvyn

Revhyn and Hailey

Adam

Jacob

Peyton

Jacob and Rehvyn

Adam and Rehvyn

Peyton, Vikki and Kenzie with Rehvyn

Jacob and Peyton

Vikki and Rehvyn

Vikki and Kody

Vikki and Jacob

Peyton and Jared...look at their cool shoes

Hailey and Abby

Evan and Hailey

Jacob helping Papa put the table back and leaves down

Beautiful flower arrangement from Rehvyn

Beautiful dove Travis made for me

Went to prayer and prayed for the service before it started.  Went to church to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and worship Him.  I loved when I saw Hailey sitting where we sit.  

She had texted me, but I had my phone off.  Vikki and her family came, but the church was so full, they had to go sit in the balcony.  It was an awesome and moving service.  We prayed for people after the service.  We left and came home so I could start the potatoes cooking and get some last minute things done.  Vikki, Rody, Peyton and Isaac came right after church.  Hailey and Evan were next.  Kimmy and her family came next, then Stacie and her family, then Melissa, Jack and Evan, and then Bruce and Max.  It was so nice having everyone here.  Kenzie and Travis got here right after we finished eating.  We missed Charlie and Sue.  Sue just had recent knee surgery, so couldn’t make it.

Kimmy and Jared mashed the potatoes (it’s tradition), Bill carved the turkey, I made the gravy, Stacie warmed up her delicious corn from her garden, Vikki put the rolls in to warm. (Kimmy made two batches of rolls too and Jared made an apple pie...Yum!). I made squash, cheesy potatoes, stuffing,  ham and we had cranberries from a can.  Lots of food!

Bill prayed, then we ate a huge meal.  We had to wait a long time before any of us were ready for dessert.  Kimmy, Vikki and Stacie got right at clearing all the food off the table and putting it away.  They cleaned up the kitchen so fast and were an amazing help to me.  It sure was nice having a big oven and microwave over it.  More counter space sure was a blessing too.  

After we ate, Jared and Rody hid the Easter baskets of the kids getting them.  Only four, not counting Rehvyn.  The rest of the kids got $15 and Isaac wanted his in Apple Pay, so I sent it to him at the same time I gave them theirs.  Then Jared, Rody, and Travis went outside and put all the Easter eggs out around the yard and house.  They always do a great job.  The kids lined up from youngest to oldest.  Of course when it was time to go, they were super fast.  Jacob and Adam were being funny and would block Hailey and then get the eggs themselves.  Of course, Nana helped out in that situation for my girl.  They came in and sorted their candy and counted their money.  I love how much fun they always have.  

I put a big Adult’s Easter Basket on the table.  Melissa was so cute picking some of her favorites out.  I loved it.  We adults all enjoy the candy in the basket.  We sat and visited lots.  We finally had dessert.  Then at 5 I packed up some food for Charlie and Sue and Melissa, Kimmy and I took it over to them.  Kimmy packed up a bag of her rolls too, and I took an Easter Basket I made up for them.  They were very happy.  We stayed and visited for a few minutes.  Sue was in bed and doing her leg machine to move her knee up and down.  She has to do that 6 hours during the day.  It is a neat machine. 

We came home and visited more, then everyone had to leave.  Kimmy and Jared were planning on taking Jacob back tonight.  The girls made sure everything was clean before they left.  It was a super fantastic day.  I love Jesus and I love the family he gave me.  

 

 

Sat., 3/30/14, Had a cappuccino with Hailey, Made bread dough, made two pies, cut up ham and put it in crockpot for tomorrow, made cheesy potatoes, baked rolls,

Bill and I at Culver’s

Baked rolls this morning.  My new oven baked them so much better.  Bill tested one of course, and said it was good.

I got up early and started two batches of bread dough in the bread makers.  Bill went with Charlie for coffee.  Made pie crust after that, then pudding and made a chocolate banana pie and a banana cream pie.  Hailey got up and I made us both cappuccinos.  We talked about the worship concert by Shane and Shane she went to last night.  She loved it!  She ate breakfast and then got ready and went to her house to do the Resurrection Eggs for Easter Melissa got them when they were little.  I heard Hailey tell her the other night not to do them without her.  So cute that she loves these things about Jesus that are such great memories for her.  I am thankful everyone is heathy and she can go spend time with them now.  

I made cheesy potatoes, then baked the rolls for tomorrow.  Busy day, but so much nicer with such a nice stove, microwave and all the extra counter space.  Bill read his Bible, then asked me what I was going to do.  I told him I was going to return a lounger set I bought at Costco for $10 the other day.  It doesn’t fit right.  He asked me if I wanted him to take it back.  Of course, that got a quick yes from me.  Bill got back right as I was baking the rolls.  He tried one to make sure they were good....He loves rolls so always wants to try one.    

It only got to 44 degrees out today, but there wasn’t any wind so that was good.  I fed my birds.  Have been having lots of birds each day.  It doesn’t take near as long to feed them with the bird feed container so handy.

Bill and I went to Culver’s for a burger and concrete mixer.  Hailey got to our house to pick up her things so she can spend tonight at her house and be there in the morning for Easter.  I’m so happy this worked out for her. When I saw her come on the ring, I texted her and told her she could have a roll.  She was so happy.  

When I got home, I peeled 14 lbs. of potatoes for mashed potatoes tomorrow.  l also ground up my burger, chopped onions and celery for the dressing tomorrow.  Getting as much as I can done so I have less to do before church.  

Texted with my Best Friend, Vikki.  Sure love her and I’m so thankful she’s a prayer warrior.  We both can’t wait to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus tomorrow.  All praise to Him!

 

Friday, 3/29/24, Put things back in family room, Picked Peyton up and we went shopping , Hailey and Peyton were a huge help filling Easter Eggs for our Easter egg hunt, Hailey went to Shane and Shane concert, took Peyton home, Bruce brought Max over to target practice with Papa, I got the kids Easter Baskets ready and filled

Adam got a new suit today for the prom.  He is one handsome guy! 

Hope is blessed to have such a nice, fun, great looking guy for her prom date.

Peyton and Hailey were such great helpers filling lots of eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt we’re having on Sunday

My little basket is in the middle...They both were so fast!  We had lots of laughs and so much fun doing it together.  

Isaac got a hair cut today.  My handsome boy!  I got to see him when I took Peyton home.

Me and Rehvyn face timing.  Kenzie showed me how he was playing his little piano we got him for Christmas.  He played gently just moving his fingers.  I was amazed.  Usually babies would just hit at it.  After that, he made some sounds and smiled lots.  I sure love him.  Kenzie too!  Plus all of the above and those not pictured too.

I got up and put things back in the family room.  The sun was shining in brightly and looked so pretty.  Hailey got up shortly after me.  I made her a cappuccino and I had a coffee.  I had oatmeal and she ate Lucky Charms.  We talked for a while and I prayed for her to do great on her two exams she will be taking this week, one in Anatomy and one in Chemistry.  She did really good on her exam last week.  I prayed for her then too.  She studies hard.  It’s always good to have God’s blessing on whatever we do to bring things back to our remembrance or just help us where we need it. 

She studied while Bill and I read our Bibles and did our prayer time and devotions.  We went to the bank, then picked up Peyton, then went to Walmart.  I got some glass stove top cleaner for my new stove.  When we got home, Bill was spreading the grass seed we got at Costco on the yard in the spots where it was thin still after planting grass seed last year.  The girls and I filled Easter Eggs right away.  The girls were amazing how fast they filled them.  I was much slower.  I am so thankful they help me every year.  I love love love these girls!

Hailey and I ate lunch.  Peyton wasn’t hungry.  Hailey left to pick up some things from her house before heading to friends to go with them to a Shane and Shane concert at a church.  I know she will love that and have a great time and awesome worship.  I took Peyton home after that and then went to the $ Store to take some things back that I couldn’t use.  When I got back home,  I worshiped for a while and focused on Jesus and what He did for me and how he suffered for me (and all who believe in Him and receive what He did).   I praised, prayed and listened.  

Bruce brought Max over to target practice with Bill.  It was in the 50’s and sunny out, so they stayed outside quite a while.  I enjoyed talking to Max for a while.  I was upstairs when he was going to leave, so Bill yelled up to me and said Max wanted to tell me goodbye.  I came down of course to tell him goodbye.  He’s a great kid and I’m so thankful for him and love him so much.  Bill took him home and I continued to fill Easter Baskets and then wrapped them in pretty bags.  I made one up for Charlie and Sue too because they can’t come on Sunday and they always like our Adult Easter Basket I set out every year.  

Bill came home, and I made sirloin burgers, baked potatoes and corn for dinner.  We ate, then I put money in envelopes for kids who don’t want baskets and wrote on the envelopes.

Isaac’s cute this year.  He asked if I could give him Apple Pay.  That’s even easier!!!

I came down and relaxed with Bill for the rest of the evening.  I got 11,755 steps and Bill got close to the same when he put the grass seed down and cleaned his little shed by the garden.  He said his back was much better today.  Yay!  Thank You Jesus! 

I talked to Kimmy, talked to Vikki a couple of times and talked to Melissa a couple of times.  I enjoyed FaceTiming Kenzie too.

 

Thurs., 3/28/24, Peyton and Hailey ate breakfast, Hailey went to Mia’s at 9:30, Kimmy, Adam and Eli came over, Vikki and Isaac came over too. we went to Steps with Jesus at church,

Hailey and Mia’s baby girl

Eli and Peyton

Adam

Shampooed the family room...it sure needed it

Hailey relaxing

I got up first and got ready.  I fed the birds right away.  I sure love the Rubbermaid container Kimmy, Vikki and families got me for my birthday.  How handy to just have to get the birdseed and suet from off the deck instead of the garage.  I came into the living room and Peyton was awake.  She wanted to sleep on the couch last night.  Shortly after, Hailey came downstairs.  Hailey ate Lucky Charms and Peyton ate cinnamon toast.  We always laugh when we think of the time I accidentally put celery salt on her toast.  She will never let me forget that.  Hailey left to go to Mia’s.  Kimmy called and asked if they could come over.  Of course I said yes.  I love it when they come.  Peyton and I played a game of 3-13.  We had three more hands to play when Kimmy, Adam and Eli got here.  I won by a lot.  She was 101 and I was -81.  My poor sweetie.  Then Eli, Kimmy, Peyton and I played.  Kimmy beat us bad!  I won’t even say by how much, but she took a picture so I know she will post it.  Peyton ripped our score sheet up before I could take a picture.  

We all ate pb&j sandwiches and had Cheetos.  The kids had Oreos too.  Bill and the kids went outside and the kids picked up sticks in the yard.  We have had strong winds, so there were lots.  Bill started a fire and they burned all the sticks.  Kimmy and I went outside to walk around afterward, and it was so cold and windy, we didn’t stay out long.  We looked at my plants around the house and then came inside to warm up. It was a good day to visit and stay cozy in the house.  Vikki tied my Crown of Thorns plant back to the window so it will grow straighter.  I talked to Melissa to see how everyone was.  All are getting better, and Melissa is still healthy.  Sure am thanking the Lord.  Bill was doing better today too.

I got ready while the girls were still here.  They left then and so did we.  Bill and I went to Step by Step with Jesus at our church.  There were 12 stations with pictures.  We went to each one, looked at the picture, then read Scriptures that went with them.  They were so touching and at some stations I cried.  We prayed, asked God to speak to us through His word.  It took us almost 2 hours to complete all the stations.  We stayed in the lounge at church afterwards for a while in case anyone going through the stations wanted prayer.  

We went to Subway on our way home.  There was a sweet lady ahead of me and when she was paying, she gave me two coupons to use for what we were getting.  It was so nice of her to bless us and save us money.  We brought it home and ate it. 

We came home and I shampooed the carpet in the family room.  It looks so nice.  I put a fan on it to dry it.  The fire in the fireplace will help dry it too.  I sure am glad that is done.  

Hailey texted me and told me she was on her way.  She got here about an hour later and we watched Little House.  She and Papa had cashews and M & M’s for a snack.  I worked on my blog.  

It was sure a fun day with everyone over.  It was a sad day when we spent so much time thinking about all that Jesus went through to pay for our sins, forgive us and give us eternal life.  He sure loves each of us to do that for us.  

 

Wed., 3/27/24, Went to Costco, Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came over, Hailey came over, Hailey, Peyton and Isaac colored eggs for me, picked up McDonald’s or Peyton, then went to Coco Loco, Melissa brought Hailey some cream rinse, watched Little House

Breakfast, a cappuccino, and my prayer books for Bill and my grandchildren (plus some dear to my heart kids

Peyton and Isaac

Bill joined them and he’s on his phone too

I was so happy Hailey, Peyton and Isaac wanted to color Easter eggs 

Peyton and Hailey at Coco Loco

Me taking a selfie of us

The waitress noticed I was having a few problems and offered to take one for us

I ate breakfast and drank my cappuccino.  Bill read his Bible while I was eating and then taking my shower.  I read mine after I was done.  Then I got ready and we went to Costco.  We got our protein drinks that were on sale for $5 off.  I also got more eggs, so we could color 4 dozen eggs.  I had boiled 3 dozen.  When we got home, Vikki and the kids were here.  Vikki had gone to have her ultrasound on her shoulder and arm.  We are praying for wisdom for the doctor to know what’s wrong and be able to do something to heal it, so the pain goes away.  She went shopping to a couple of stores and the kids stayed here and colored eggs.  Peyton wanted to spend the night with Hailey and Hailey wanted her to, so both were happy.  Isaac didn’t want to spend the night, so Vikki picked him up.  I went to. McDonalds and picked up food for Peyton.  I tried to put a code in, but it wouldn’t work.  The lady said she would take care of it.  I pulled up to the window and tried to get the code again, when I noticed it said for mobile orders.  I told the kid who was at the window that it was only for mobile orders.  He said the lady told him she took care of it.  Then I paid with Apple Pay and when I went to the pick up window, they told me the Apple Pay didn’t work.  I asked them what they wanted me to do, thinking they would have me drive around again and pay, and they told me not to worry, they were covering everything.  They were so nice.  

I came home and picked up Peyton and Hailey. (Bill was still having some pains and didn’t want to go.  He said he wasn’t hungry anyhow)  We went to Coco Loco's, Hailey’s favorite place to eat.  Peyton took her McDonald’s food in and Hailey and I ordered our favorite meal, 1/2 order of Beef and Bean Nacho’s.  They brought chips and salsa out and the salsa didn’t taste as good as usual.  Then they brought our meals out and they used a different cheese sauce on top and that wasn’t as good either.  Hailey didn’t even take hers home.  I did mine, but don’t know if I’ll eat it.  We were a little disappointed and are going to try the other Coco Loco’s next time to see if they’re still the same.  Melissa came over to our porch and dropped off some cream rinse for Hailey.  I heard Hailey talking on the phone to her.  Then she hung up and told me her mom was running cream rinse over for her to use.  I told her to call her mom and tell her I had cream rinse, but she said she was already on her way.  I think Hailey was just missing her mom and wanted to see her.  Melissa stayed on the porch, because everyone has been sick at her house but her.  She had us sanitize the cream rinse bottle.  We talked for a few minutes through the door and then she left.  I helped Hailey start a load of laundry.  Then we all watched some Little House episodes.  I worked on my blog.  

 

Tues., 3/26/24, Went to Vikki’s and spent the day! Kimmy stopped on the way home for the kids to get pops, Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship

Peyton, Adam, Hope, Eli and Isaac when I got to Vikki’s.  I made sure to take a picture right away so I wouldn’t forget

Adam and Hope playing 3-13 with us.  Adam was teaching her. how to play

Hope, Adam, Eli and Peyton when I left...Forgot to find Isaac

Jacob and Abi at a trampoline place.  They had lots of fun, but Jacob ended up being sore.  

Another set of blossoms came.  This one has 4 blossoms instead of just 2 like the others

Another set of blossoms is coming and bells the pointed new leaf and a thorn is another one coming.  So exiting to watch.

Ha ha, Max left and Vader always waits by the door. He got nice and comfy while waiting today lol

I listened to good worship, read my Bible, did my devotions, then ate and got ready to go to Vikki’s.  She called and said Kimmy would be there at 10:30.  I got there at about 10:35.  I got my hugs, then sat in the living room and visited with Kimmy and Vikki while drinking our coffee.  Adam and Hope played pool in the basement.  When they came upstairs, we decided to play Apples to Apples, but also decided to eat first.  We all made sandwiches (some bologna, some pbj’s). Yum!  After we ate we played Apples to Apples in the living room.  Kimmy played for me while I talked to Gayla when she called.  They will be leaving Florida and coming home on Monday.  It was so good talking to her.  She told me about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsing after being hit by a cargo ship that lost power.  So sad.  That’s close to where her son and family live.  I went back in and finished playing Apple to Apples.  Hope won.  Then we decided we would play 3-13 so Adam could teach Hope how to play.  We had fun playing.Adam and Hope were the winners and I came in second.  Adam stuck Vikki, Kimmy and I each with 37 points in one hand.  Ouch!  That hurt!  

We visited some more in the living room while the kids hung out in the family room.  At 4, I had to leave and come home to make dinner for Bill.  We ended up just finishing off the chili which was easy.  He has been having some sharp pain in his back and thinks it it kidney stones.  Appreciate prayers for him.  He gasps when it happens.  He said today has been better.  So thankful.  Kimmy called and to see if the kids could get pops from here and of course I told her yes.  They stopped and the kids came inside after getting their pops in the garage refrigerator.  Adam took Hope on a quick tour of the house and showed her the deck and pool deck and told her how they had all worked hard helping us.  They sure were great helps.  I reiterated what he said.  

Bill and I sat in our loveseat recliner and he was on his phone and I worked on my blog.  I talked to Melissa for quite a while which I sure enjoyed.  

 

Monday, 4/25/24, Moved my car over in the garage, Bill’s parking outside again, moved garage back the way it was, went to Carol’s to see Fred and Lourdes, Bill had an Elder’s meeting

Eli saw this at a thrift store and sent me this picture.  Love that he noticed the great saying on it.  “The man who walks with God always gets to his destination”!  I love having grandkids to love Jesus and live for him!  So thankful for God’s blessings!

Yummy sheet cake Carol made for us today.  We all ate a couple of pieces there and then she sent some home with us too.  

Uncle Fred showing my phone to Carol so she could see Kenzie and Rehvyn.  He and Lourdes were both talking to Kenzie and Rehvyn before that and it was so cute, I told Bill he should take a picture.  He was a little late and didn’t quite capture it, but they all were so cute with Kenzie & Rehvyn

We slept until 8:45, then got up and got ready.  We read our Bible and did our devotions.  I listened to some good worship, then listened to a news podcast and then a Salt Podcast on love.  We went to Sister C’s at 1:30.  Fred and Lourdes came at 2 and then Shani came right after they got there.  Carol made egg rolls for us that were delicious.  She also made a yummy sauce to put on them if we wanted.   I was telling her about Vikki’s yummy egg rolls and how good they were too.  Carol also made a delicious sheet cake.  It was so good.  She sent some home with each of us.  We all had such a nice visit.  Fred and Lourdes had flown here to celebrate their grandson, Jobe’s, 1st birthday.  That time sure flew by.  He is so cute and they said he will be walking soon.  They always make time to come meet with us.  We meet at Carol’s because she’s on oxygen, so she doesn’t like to go out.  They were all happy when Kenzie FaceTimed and they got to see her and Rehvyn.  They were just so cute with them.

We came home and Bill had me move my car on the other side in the garage.  He’s going to park outside again now that the weather is getting nice.  He took a little nap while I moved stuff back the way it was before his truck went in the garage.  I also made out my grocery list and got my coupons together.  He had an Elder’s meeting, so he left for that and I went to Aldi and Kroger and got groceries I need for Sunday’s Easter meal.  I already had a turkey in the freezer, but needed to get a ham.  Aldi had them on sale, and I always get lots of compliments on their hams.  Vikki called me while I was in Aldi and asked if it was ok with me if we all meet at her house tomorrow because Adam and Hope want to play pool.  I’m always happy to meet at any of our houses.  As long as we get together that’s what I care about.  

Charlie said Sue is doing good and walking around the house good now.  He said he was doing better too.  He signed up for six weeks with a trainer to work with him at the Sports Zone. 

It looks like Kimmy and Jared are making lots of good sales of their pottery on Etsy.  I check every night to see what sold and what reviews were left.  They get 5 star reviews because their pottery and customer service are outstanding.  I’m so proud of them.  I sure love all of my pottery from them.  Every day, it brings such joy picking out one of their mugs and then getting to drink my coffee from such a beautiful, comfortable piece of work.