Friday, 8/23/24, Rody’s last day at Carollton Schools, Kimmy, and Eli were coming over, Sue called and wanted us to come see Charlie, Kimmy and Eli went to Vikki’s, Vikki, Kimmy and I went to see Charlie, went to Vikki’s, Melissa and Bruce went to see Charlie, I brought Eli to my house with me to work with Papa packing up pen making materials, Went to Kimmy and Jared’s, Sue called and Charlie passed away, We are so sad to lose such a great friend, but happy we will see him again!

Rody’s birthday is tomorrow.  Kenzie and Peyton made him a cake and decorated it .  

Hand progress today

I was happy Isaac and Peyton had the day off school so I could see them.  Kenzie was painting Peyton’s fingernails and they didn’t want me to take a picture.  

Eli and Papa gathering all the pen making stuff to take to Eli’s.  Eli is excited to get it and make pens.  This is the pen they made today.

Loading the equipment 

It’s a MSU pen.  Very cool!

Zinnias are getting more and more colors and taller everyday.  The corn behind them is getting ready now.  We had some for lunch today and it was delicious.

Relaxing on Kimmy and Jared’s nice deck while Eli organized his pen area.  Eli came and grilled hamburgers for us and Kimmy made fries.  Everything was delicious.

Papa and Eli looking things over

If you click on the picture you can see our goldfish swimming at the top of the pond.  They have grown so much.

I called Kimmy and she and Eli were almost here.  I told her that we had to go see Charlie because Sue called and said he was declining and his kidney’s were shutting down.  I told her Vikki and the kids didn’t have to be at school today, so she called Vikki and went to hang out there.  We saw Sue and Charlie and told Charlie he was a great friend and we loved him.  The nurse said he could hear us, but couldn’t respond.  We let Sue know we would be here if she needed us and left.  Bill and I ate lunch, then I went and picked up Vikki and Kimmy and took them up to see Charlie. They told him they loved him too.  We visited with Sue and her niece, Yvonne for a while then left.  We went back to Vikki’s and I got to see Peyton, Mykenzie, Eli and Isaac.  Sweetie Rehvyn was sleeping so I didn’t wake him, but I sure loved seeing him.  I visited for a while, then Eli and I came to our house because papa wanted Eli to help him pack up the pen equipment and load it on the trailer and they also made a MSU pen together with Bill showing Eli how to use the equipment.  Eli was sure excited to show us the pen.  It was just amazing!  I rode with Kimmy in her van and Eli and Bill rode in the truck.  We got to Kimmy’s at the same time.  Jared came out and helped unload everything.  Then Eli organized stuff. I walked through Kimmy’s gardens on my way to the house. I gave Adam a hug and then we visited on their deck.  It is so comfy and beautiful under their gazebo.  It was so relaxing to sit and watch the birds.   Eli made the best burgers on the grill for us.  We all had cheese except Bill of course.  The fries were yummy too.  There was also barbecue chicken, but I was too full to try it.  We went back out on the deck after we ate.  Sue called and let us know Charlie passed away.  We were all sad, but glad he doesn’t have to suffer.  We let the girls know, Bill let our pastor know, and we also let Wes and Gayla and Stacie know.  They were all sad too.  We got home and I did my hand exercises.  My hand is so much better already.  I love not having it in the splint much.

My niece, Tammy, is here from Colorado because her Aunt died.  We are getting together with her in the morning for breakfast and bringing her here and to Vikki’s to visit.  I’m excited.

thurs, 8/22/24, Kimmy, Jared and Eli took Jacob to move into his dorm at MSU., I went to therapy, Bill mowed the lawn, I picked Adam up, we went to Culver’s, then I took him to Covenant for his MRI o m his left leg, Kimmy and Jared came over, Jared and Eli helped Bill put a new roof vent on the motor home,

Adam relaxing

Eli, Jared and Bill after working on the fan vent in the motorhome

Jared and Bill

Hand progress....Therapist removed all the dead skin and my hand looks so much better

Jacob and Abi....Jacob moved into his new dorm today.  Kimmy, Jared, Eli and Abi helped move him in.  I sure am going to miss him and am looking forward to visiting him and taking him and Abi out to eat.

Jacob and his new room mate at college

I got up early, got ready and did my therapy home exercises.  Then I ate breakfast and had my coffee.  

Kimmy, Jared and Eli took Jared to move into his dorm today.  They left early because Jacob had a music audition today.  He asked for prayer because he was nervous about it, but was the first one to audition, and let Kimmy know he did great and she let us know.  I was so happy to hear that.  

I went to therapy.  Paige pulled the old black skin off my incision and it sure looked better afterward.  I learned some more home exercises and practiced them.  She is so nice and so knowledgeable.  Bill was mowing the grass when I left.  He was finished by the time I got home.  I picked Adam up after school at the Dollar Store and took him to Culver’s.  All he wanted was a concrete mixer, so we both had one and sat there and ate it.  It was so cold in there, we couldn’t wait to get outside in the sun to warm up.  We laughed about that.  We went to Covenant and parked, then walked in for his MRI.  He isn’t using crutches.  He did say the pain was a 7 and now it is a 4.  We sat and waited and finally after about 1/2 hour they called him back.  When he came out he told me he fell asleep a few times while he was having it done.  He’s so cute!  We got to our house and Kimmy, Eli and Jared were coming there to pick him up.  I started making spaghetti so they could eat with us.  They got here and Jared wanted to help Bill put the new fan vent in the motorhome roof.  Eli, Jared and Bill went out and were all working on it.  Kimmy helped me with opening jars, scraping the sauce into the dish, straining the noodles, and whatever I couldn’t do because of my right hand being out of commission.  We let the guys know it was ready, and they came in and we all ate.  Then they finished working on what had to be done with the vent and we all sat out on the deck visiting.  It was so much fun.  Then Kenzie called and came over while Kimmy, Jared and the boys were there too.  We all loved seeing her and Rehvyn.  Rehvyn was just so cute.  We all took turns holding him and enjoying this fun stage he’s in.  He just makes you smile when you look at him.  Kimmy and family left, then Kenzie, Rehyvy and I went to Melissa’s.  We wanted to see Hailey before she leaves for college on Saturday.  Hailey was super happy to hear Rehvyn was coming.  Everybody there was happy to see Rehvyn too and hold him.  I got some good hugs from Hailey to hold me over til I get to go see her with Melissa.  I can’t wait to see her apartment.  We will take her out to eat and spend time with her too.  What a fun day and lots accomplished again today that needed to get done.   

 

Wed., 8/21/24, Kimmy, Adam and Eli came over, Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came over, We closed the pool, Bill went to Marine Corp League meeting

Bill, Eli, Isaac and Peyton working on covering the pool

Adam by the pond

Eli, Isaac and Peyton helping

Adam and Nana

Bill, Kit Kat, Peyton and me

Isaac

Papa, Peyton and Eli

Vick, Isaac, Eli on the deck helping, and Adam

Pool cover on!!! Thank you Kimmy, Adam, Eli, Vikki, Peyton, Isaac, and Bill.  I wasn’t much help because of my hand, so sure do appreciate my wonderful family1

Kimmy had a dentist appointment at 10, so she stopped in and visited til she had to go.  Eli and I hung out and checked out the 11 pumpkins which are nice and big and orange already..

We also checked out the watermelon and the corn.  Bill picked some corn that was ready.  

We are waiting on the watermelon to get riper.  

When Kimmy came back, we were sitting on the deck and she and Bill decided it was a good day to close the pool.  I agreed because I can’t used it with my hand and all of the kids are back in school besides Eli.  Jacob and Hailey are going back to college, Jacob tomorrow and Hailey Saturday.  The eteperature as been pretty cold the past week at  nigh too. Kimmy vacuumed it and in a short time it was Chrystal clear.  She went to pick up Adam and I went to get pool chemicals to close it plus a cover.  When I got home Vikki and the twins were over too.  They all worked together and after Bill sawed the edge of the deck so the cover could be put on easier,(he made it look say to do, but Kimmy tried and said it wasn’t!  The cover went on easily after that and everyone was such a great help.  

We ate lunch and enjoyed hanging out together.

Tues., August 20, First day of hand occupational therapy with Paige, sat outside and had a rooter float, first day of school for Peyton, Isaac, Evan and Jack,out to eat and to Cabella’s with Max,

Had a yummy root beer float on the deck

Isaac and Peyton’s first day of school!  7th Graders now

Jack and Evan’s First day of school.  10th grade for Jack and 8th for Evan

Kit Kat found a. warm place to soak up the sun on our front porch

I did my exercises for my hand that were given to me yesterday to do.  Then I ate cereal and drank my coffee out of my Kimmy mug. Those Russell mugs make every cup special!!!  I listened to the Bible today.   Later in the day, I read the same chapters I listened to so I could highlight words that I wanted to.

I got ready and attempted to do mu hair which went pretty well.  Then I headed to Renue   for my OT evaluation for therapy on my hand.  I got Paige who is who Wes had and told me was very good.  I told them he referred me so he will get $25.  She was so nice and very knowledgeable about hand therapy.  She is a hand specialist.  The session went well.  She said mine was probably the best incision she has seen and she has seen many.  She measured all the hand angles in different positions as was amazed that the measurements were all normal or close to normal.  I guess going to a doctor who is a hand specialist was worth the long trips.  She said I would just need therapy for strengthening and to be able to do what my goals are.  

I was thinking of going to get an ice cream, when I thought about having stuff at home to make a root beer float.  That was a great idea and I sure enjoyed it.  Bill was gone picking up Max or I would have had company enjoying it.  He called me later and had me meet them at Culver’s for dinner.  I just had a. kids meal.  It was fun talking to Max.  He has one more week before he starts college.  We all went to Cabella’s afterwards and walked around.  Bill got me a pair of jean shorts on sale there.  He gets his shorts there and loves them.  The ones I got are really comfy.

I came home and did my home hand exercises that were given to me today.  That went well.  Put the new comforter on the bed in the camper.  Bill went out later and liked it on the bed, so I brought it in to put in the dryer to get some wrinkles out of it.

Adam gets his MRI on Thursday now.  We are very thankful he doesn’t have to wait two weeks.  Continuing to pray for him lots.

 

Monday, 8/19/24, Went to U of M to get stitches out, stopped at Chick fil A, on our way home, set up therapy, did hand exercises

Stitches in then stitches our below

Custom splint Julianne made me

We got to stop and eat at Chic fil A on our way home

We got to U of M in Brighton for my surgery follow up appt. early.  I had pre registered so got in right away.  The doctor said the incision looked great.  He started taking stitches out.  

When he pulled the stitch up to cut it it hurt pretty bad, but I could stand it so I didn’t say anything.  Then he told me he was going to get his assistant to come finish the rest because she was really god at taking tiny stitches out.  He held the light and she did the rest and it didn’t hurt.   I went out to check out, and then they set up an appointment for an hour later to come back and have a splint made.  We went to Marshalls to walk around but didn’t get anything.  We went back and I checked in and got in right away.  I watched as Julianne measured and molded and put velcro on my custom made splint she made.  Pretty interesting to watch. She had me make a fist and said I was a rock star when she saw how far my fingers would bend in.  Here I thought I was getting rid of my splint and then I got a longer stiffer splint.  it is designer with the purple velcro though lol.I told her I couldn’t wait to see Bill’s face when he saw that.  I was right about his face and should have taken a picture.  He said what’s that for????  We headed home and talked to Vikki, Melissa and Kimmy om our way.  Poor Adam has to wait for 2 weeks to have his MRI.  The doctor was pretty sure the Meniscus was torn and thought maybe the ACL was injured too.  Sure am praying for my sweet grandson.  I called to set up therapy near hour house and was happy they can get me in tomorrow already.  We stopped at Chic Fil A on our way home. The drive thru must have had 25 cars at least in it, all the way around the building.  We went inside and there were about 5 people ahead of us, but it moved fast and about 5 minutes later they came to our table with our meals.  Yum! The food was so good!  I can wait til they are finished building ours here. 

I did my hand exercises when I got home, then again in the evening.

I texted with my sister Brenda,  with Adam and with Maddy.  Also texted Jeannie’s son Paul, to see how her hip surgery went today.  She came up to have us pray for her yesterday at church.  She is a sweet person and friend. 

 

Sunday, 8/18/24, Went to prayer, then church, lunch with Diane and James, nap in the afternoon, Joel’s Birthday Celebration in the evening

Gayla serving cake at Joel’s Birthday. Celebration

Yay! I get this off in the morning.  I can’t wait!!

We went to prayer, then into the church service.  Good worship this morning and a great message from Pastor Ken.  Many came up for prayer as the Holy Spirit moved.  

We went to Olive Garden after church with James and Diane.  It’s been a long time since we’ve gone out to eat with them.  We had such a nice time and the food was delicious.  

We came home and took a nice nap.  We enjoyed that.  Sue called me once and Vikki called twice, but I still got good rest.

We left at 6 to go to Joel’s 54th  birthday celebration.  Gayla made a delicious homemade chocolate cake and we all sang Happy Birthday, then we ate some.  We had a nice visit with them while we ate, and heard all about their birthday trip up by Traverse City.

We came home and read our Bibles and devotioms.

 

Sat., 8/17/24, Went to pick up bread box for Kimmy, took Sue and Charlies card f0r Max and Hailey’s camping chair to Melissa’s, Visited James, went to Culver’s, Kimmy, Jared, Adam and Eli came over, Kimmy caulked cupboard by stove

 

Me and James

James and Bill

Me and Bill at Culver’s having concrete mixers

Adam with his injured leg and crutch

Eli

We ate breakfast, then read our Bibles.  I went to pick up a. breadbox we saw at the antique store yesterday.  Kimmy thought about getting it but didn’t.  She called last night and asked me to get it today for because it’s close to. my house.  I was  happy to go get it.  

after I picked it up,  I headed to Melissa’s to drop off Max’s card and Hailey’s camping chair.  Then I picked up some gift cards because the points were quadrupled.  I came home and Bill checked to see what time was a good time to so see James.

We went to see James and he was waiting for us on the porch.  He put on some of his favorite Christian songs and old us several times how good God is and all he has done for Him.  He reminded me of how Barb gave God so much glory he other day.  His apartment is so nice.  He took us on a tour of it.  Then we went with him to the park area.  It was so nice and had a huge gas fire pit.  James started it and it really gave heat off even far away.  We talked for a while, then went back into his apartment.and visited more.  We had such a nice time.  We left and went to Culver’s for Concrete Mixers.  Yum.  Kimmy called to see where we were and I told her we were leaving for home.  They were heading to our house.  We got home and Kimmy, Jared, Adam and Eli got there shortly after us. We visited and Kimmy and I went out to watch the goldfish in our pond.  Kimmy got to see the frog in the water too.  After that she calked the cupboard by the stove where the new cupboard was put in.  At around 6:30 we checked to see if Kenzie was still coming, but she said she couldn’t an would just have her mom give us the stuff she wanted to bring for us.  Kimmy, Jared and the boys got ready to leave.  Bill anointed Adam and we all prayed for him for healing.  They had to go to the fair to check on stalls and make sure sheep were watered.

bill and I ate and then watched The 

trump Rally in Pennsylvania.  So good!