Sat. `12/14/24, made cheesy potatoes, went to Faith Rider’s Christmas party, delivered pies and cookies to the girls from Fred and Lourdes, ate with Vikki, Rody and Issac

Faith Riders Christmas party

Eli in Papa’s leather jacket he has saved for years

Evan came outside when we delivered the pie and huge cookie from Fred and Lourdes

Jack was outside to greet us too

I got up early and made cheesy potatoes for the Faith Rider’s Christmas party.  I went outside and filled the bird feeders and then got ready while the potatoes were baking.  

We left and got to the Fire Station by our church where the party was held.  After greeting everyone, we sat down and Isaac read Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus.  Then we went around all the tables and everyone said something they are thankful for.  There were tears shed by some who were so thankful for what God has done, and everyone knew Jesus was the number one thing we were all thankful for, but we had much more we were thankful for too.  Jesus is the one who gave us family, health and many more things that were mentioned.  Elaine gave a great devotion.

We ate after that.  There was turkey, ham, meatballs, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, corn, salads and delicious desserts.  Everything was so good.  Elaine led us in singing Christmas Carols.  Then we did some games and won some prizes.  It was lots of fun.  We all helped clean up afterwards.  

We came home and read our Bibles.  Then Bill hooked up some cool lights he got for the wheel on the back of the jeep.  He had me come out to step on the brake so he could test them.  Then he stepped on the brake so I could see them.  Pretty cool!  He blew the leaves off the deck, then we left to deliver pies and big cookies to the girls from their Uncle Fred.  We met Kimmy and Eli in the parking lot at the Family Thrift Store.  We missed seeing them when we went by and also missed them again on our way. back the other direction after Kimmy called and let us know where she was.  We thought they were at Joann Fabric.  Good thing Kimmy saw us go by and called us.  I put the pie and cookie in the backseat.   Eli tried on the leather Jacket Papa gave him.  It fit perfectly.  We said our goodbyes, then went to Melissa’s and dropped her pie and big cookie off.  Jack and Evan came out and greeted us and were so joyful.  

We went and got a carwash after that, then went to Battery Plus because Bill’s key fob didn’t work and we had just got a new battery for it there.  They just took the battery out and put it back in and it worked.  Bill said we only had 16 miles we could go on the gas left in the tank, so we went to Sam’s Club and got gas for $3.02 a gallon.  We went to Vikki’s after that and took her pie and cookie in.  Isaac came right away and showed me his new phone.  He showed me how to do stuff on it too.  Pretty cool!  Vikki had made bean dip and we all ate some on taco shells with lettuce and cheese.  It was delicious.  Yum!  Thank you Vikki.  

Vikki had to go pick Peyton up from a friends so we headed home.  We watched a movie called Christmas Miracles that was good.  

 

Friday, 12/13/24, Bill did Marine Corp fundraiser, went to Fred and Lourdes’s house.

Wow! Kimmy baked all of these cut out Christmas Cookies.  She called me and said she was baking my Christmas cookies this year.  She is just the sweetest kindest person.  I am so thankful she’s mine!

This is the decorating team that decorated all those cookies, plus Kimmy and Jared helped too!  Thank you so much everyone! I love you all!

Hope and Adam decorating

My wonderful and amazing son -in-law Jared made the frosting....I think he was trying to frost himself with all that powdered sugar on him.  He’s always joyful and kind!

The finished cookies....Vikki dropped them off at our house a little after midnight last night.  How blessed I am to have the family God has given me!

My breakfast this morning....Enjoying my coffee in my Kimmy mug too.  

Fritzy with his stuffed dog....He’s intent on watching a dog on television lol!

Fred and Lourdes fixing our plates.  She made delicious tacos for us.  

Lourdes made the best taco’s.  Then Fred put lettuce and guacamole on our plates then the taco’s went on top.  YUM!

I got up and got ready.  Bill slept in a little. Longer, but was reading his Bible by the time I was done with my shower.  He got ready and went to Pat’s to volunteer and help with the fundraiser. I talked to Kimmy to let her know how delicious the cookies were and thanked her again.  Best and yummiest cookies for sure! Debbie Davis  called me and we talked for a while about how we can help our friend who was diagnosed with cancer.  I messyTina S and sent her two great worship songs and chatted for a while to see how I can help out.  Kenzie called me and talked for a while. She as making my grandma Daisy’s cut out cookies.  

Bill got home and went to visit Fred and Lourdes.  They were so welcoming and happy to see us.  And we were happy to see them.  So thankful they moved back to Michigan.  We took a tour of their additions to their new home.  Everything is beautiful there and the new office and bedrooms look amazing.    We visited and listened to some Christmas music, then played Phase 10. We had lots of laughs and some good conversation while playing.  We stopped and ate tacos and then had key lime pie.  Yum!  Then we finished our game.  It was so much fun.  Bill ended up being the winner.   We said our goodbyes, gave hugs and then left for home.  We went by some beautiful Christmas lights Fred had told us about.  There were three houses with so many lights.  Really Pretty.  Such a fun evening. I read my Bible and devotion when I got home.  

 

Thurs, 12/`12/24, Went to VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, went to Chic Fil A, relaxed for an hour, went shopping, had to change party date, Kimmy blessed me with making Christmas cookies for me, Lots of helpers decorated them,

It was only 12 degrees this morning and the wind was really blowing.  The flag 3as beautiful!

Bill is so cute.  He always says to m...take a picture. I would be saying don’t take a picture lol.

Us in line at Chic Fil A.  It went from our side to where you see the cars turned ahead of us and around the other side of the building .  They had workers come up and take our order so it was ready when we got to the window.  They were so friendly.

My yummy chicken strips...there the best!

I got a peppermint shake and Bill got a vanilla shake

My handsome driver!

We had so much fun FaceTiming with Rehvyn and Kenzie

I love hearing him laugh.  Papa really had him laughing playing peek a boo with him.  Kenzie really got him laughing too!

Got up at 6 and got ready to go to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor.  Bill had to be there at 10 and his CT was supposed to be at 11.  We had good roads and sunshine starting out at 7:30.  When we got about 20 miles from Ann Arbor, it had snowed and the expressway had snow on it.  We had to go slow for a while, then the roads were clear again.  We got to his appointment early.  They took him back right away, then came and got me to go in and sit by him.  They hooked up an IV and also a heart/blood pressure monitor.  He had to have dye for the procedure.  His heart rate had to be down to 60 to have the procedure.  The guy wheeled him out on the ER bed and said it would take 10 minutes.  He had me wait where  was.  They came back right on schedule.  Bill was happy when the guy told him he could have a snack.  Bill picked Lorna Doone Cookies and juice.  Then the guy said I could have a snack too so I picked cheese sticks.  He was a really nice person and when it was time for us to leave, he hurried ahead of us and said he would get the door for us.  

On our way home, we decided to stop at Chic Fil A in Flint because I wanted to try their peppermint shake because I have heard how delicious it is.  They only have them at Christmas time.   We parked, and then a guy told us the inside was closed, but we could go through the drive through.  We were happy we could still get something from there.  We each got a shake and some chicken strips. Everything was really good.

We came home and rested for a while, then went to Burlington and Kroger.  We ended up getting gift cards for Debbie, Tom and Matthew.  We got a few other things, then came home.  Bill dumped the ashpan to our kernel burner because for some reason whether it was the wind or just being so cold, the pellets burned quickly and the pan was pretty full.  I usually empty it but I didn’t trust my hand with it full like that, so Bill did it for me.  I made some adjustments on the feed limit and set it lower.  It will burn a little slower now.  It was so hot I couldn’t stand in front of it for very long.   We read our Bibles. then I checked on the Kernel Burner again and it was burning just right.  

Melissa and Kenzie called me and told me Uncle Tom was sick when Kenzie went to decorate Aunt Debbies Christmas tree.  We decided to postpone our Christmas party at our house from this Saturday til after Christmas.  Bummer, but we sure don’t want sickness spreading through the family.  We let Fred know, the girls and Kenzie, Debbie dand also. Shani. Shani and Steve and Amanda had planned on coming too.  

Now we are planning on going to Fred’s after Bill works at the Marine Corp. Fundraiser tomorrow.  We are going to play cards and Lourdes is making pizza for us.  Then on Saturday, we will be going to our Faith Rider Christmas Party now. 

 

Wed., 12/11/24, Happy 1st Birthday Rehvyn, We love you so much! !Kimmy and Vikki came over, then Melissa and Hailey came over. Bill met Rich for breakfast, Got lots of Christmas shopping don

Happy First Birthday Sweetie Rehvyn!  Nana and Papa love you so much!

Kimmy and I FaceTiming with our birthday boy, Rehvyn.  He was so cute and smiley.  Funny too because he was eating while sitting in his walker and would go across the room and then when Kenzie would say here Rehvyn take a bite, he zoomed really fast back to her.

Melissa and Hailey got here while we were FaceTiming Rehvyn and they wished him Happy Birthday too.  He brings us so much joy.

Hailey and Melissa when they were ready to leave

I got up early so I would be ready when Kimmy and Vikki got here.  Kimmy got here first and said Vikki was returning something and then would be here.  Bill got up and got ready to go meet Rich for breakfast.  Kimmy helped me order some Christmas gifts for her family.  Then she ordered some things on my computer for Jared, and I had her order some things for Bill on her phone.  That way they can be surprised.  Vikki came and we drank our coffee, had muffins and visited.  She was trying to FaceTime with Rehvyn, but didn’t get an answer.  Kimmy took a panel out of the Christmas tree collar.  It looks much nicer now.  I mentioned to the girls to pray for me because the eczema was flaring up and itching.  Vikki came over and she and Kimmy laid hands on me and prayed for me.  She spoke the Word over me when she prayed.  The Bible says, they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.  Also Jesus bore our sicknesses in his body on the cross.  I am so thankful for my girls.  They are so loving and caring.  

                                                                          

Vikki had to leave for work.  Kimmy caulked and spackled a couple spots in the family room above the shelves where it meets the ceiling.  She did a great job!  Kenzie called me back to let me know she was at the grocery store and would FaceTime me when she got home.  

Kenzie FaceTimed us so Papa, Kimmy and I all sang Happy Birthday to Rehvyn.  He smiled and was so happy.  We FaceTimed quite a while and then Melissa and Hailey came over and enjoyed FaceTiming with them too.  Rehvyn makes us all smile.  We ate chicken noodle casserole for lunch.  We had fun visiting while we ate.  Hailey is so cute and sweet.  We had lots of fun with her.  We moved to the family room so Bill could enjoy his nap.  Vikki got back here and ate her lunch from Souper Cafe.  She had Kimmy try the bread bowl and stick some of it in her soup.  Kimmy liked it.  I ordered a Christmas gift for Bruce from Melissa, then later did one for the kids for Bruce.  I also got Hailey’s gifts ordered. Melissa and Hailey had to leave.  Vikki stayed until she had to pick up the kids, then she left.  Then Kimmy left.    

I made eggs, potatoes and bacon for Bill for dinner.  I ate my left over smothered chicken and half a potato from Texas Roadhouse.  Then we relaxed in our recliners.  I prayed over Bill for good results from his CAT Scan and for God’s healing for him of anything that needs healing.  Going to bed early because we have to leave for Ann Arbor at 7:30 a.m.

Tuesday, 12/10/24, Jacob got hid braces off, Bill had VA appt., I cleaned the house, Christmas boxes back to attic, went to Sam’s, ate at Texas Roadhouse, went to Meijer

My very happy grandson!!! Jacob got his braces off after having them on for 4 years.  He sent me this picture of his great smile.  His teeth look perfect.

Bill got up early, took the garbage and recycling out, then went to his doctor appt. at the VA.

I started cleaning the house,   I FaceTimed with Kenzie and Rehvyn.  He was so cute and I actually got to see him stand than take a step.  Kenzie was close so that’s all he needed to take.  He was so smiley and sweet.  I sure am thankful for FaceTime.  

Bill got home, so when he sat in the living room, I joined him.  Got my Bible reading done.

Bill went outside to work on more Christmas lights, so I cleaned the downstairs bathroom and scrubbed the floor.  We took the rest of the Christmas tubs upstairs, then I organized them in the attic.  

We went to Sam’s Club and walked through the whole store and got what we needed.  Then we decided to go to Texas Roadhouse to use the free meal coupon Bill got on Veteran’s Day.  We also had a free appetizer card that we got when we ordered Texas Roadhouse rolls from Evan for his school fundraiser.  We have two more to use plus rolls and butter in the freezer from Texas Roadhouse so that was a great fundraiser.  We went to Meijer after that 

 

Monday, 12/9/24, Happy Birthday to Sister C, took her to her doctor appt. Put the outside lights up, set nativity up outside, decorated the family room

Bill putting Christmas lights on the bushes

This is such a cute picture Melissa sent me.  Abby who is 16 is on the bed, Vader is on the left and Badger is on the right.  Badge is still doing amazing.

Bill helped me decorate the mantle and put the wreath up

Fisher Price Nativity is all set up for Rehvyn.  All of the grandkids have loved playing with this

The Living Nativity posted this picture of the camel that we saw there and a beautiful sunset.  They had over 1,000 people go through it last night

I got up at 6 a.m. so I would have time to stop and pick up flowers and a candy bar for Bill’s sister Carol.  I had to be at her house by 8.  It was raining out and a little foggy and very dark out still so it was a little hard to see.  By the time I left Meijer it was lighter out and visibility was much better.  I got to Carol’s right on time.  She was happy to get the flowers, candy bar and card, and I was happy to get to spend time with her on her birthday.We visited for about 20 minutes, then we left for her appointment.  We stopped at the township hall so she could put a bill she paid in the box outside.  Then we drove down the road to her Doctor’s office.  I parked by the door and pushed her oxygen tank for her and got the doors.  She gets short of breath quickly when she walks or goes without oxygen for a few minutes.  By the time I parked the car, and got back in, they were calling her back.  We were there for about an hour, then I wanted to treat her to either something to eat or drink, or both.  She just wanted a large black coffee from McDonalds.  We drove through the drive through and got our drinks.  I ordered a smoothie.  When we got back to her house, she gave me some cranberry cake bars to take home.   I headed home and when I got there, Bill was napping in his recliner.  I warmed up some noodle casserole and made a cup of coffee.  After I ate, I tried the cranberry cake.  It was delicious.  I texted her and told her how much I liked it.  

I decided to take a nap since Bill was still napping.  I slept for about an hour and then Bill asked me if I wanted to help him put the outside lights up outside and set up the nativity.  He got busy sorting lights, and I brought down all of the pieces to the outside nativity.  I went outside and helped him with the lights, and after that we set up the Nativity.  Nice to have that done.  We ate chicken casserole, then afterward Bill helped me decorate the family room.  We read our Bibles then relaxed.  

 

Sunday, 12/8/24, went to prayer, than church, than to our CMA Christmas party, Vikki stopped over and surprised me with the cutest snowman she made

Bill going over some things at the party our Area Reps need to know

Crissy, Dave, Al, me, Mel and Betty

Watching Dave unwrap his gift.  At the end of the summer he was diagnosed with stage four cancer all through his body.  He and his wife are the prayer leads for Michigan.  He is a miracle!

 

Really cute snowman Vikki made for me and brought over tonight.  She is so very talented and so generous.  Thank you Vikki!  I love it!

 

I got up at 6 and got the noodles cooked and made chicken noodle casserole for the party.  I also made banana cream pudding dessert.  Kenzie called me and I talked to her for a while.  We got ready and went to prayer in the morning.  Then we went into the service.  Our usual seats were taken, so I was looking for where else we should set, and Hailey came over to me and sat with me.  I didn’t recognize her with her glasses on when she was seated waiting for me.  She had texted me, but I didn’t see her text.  I sure was happy to see her.  The worship was awesome today and Pastor’s message was super good.  After church we prayed for some couples, then we left to go home and get our food to take to the party.  I talked to Stacie on our way to the party.  She is always so sweet.  Bill and I had a great time at the party and lots of good food.  Then we did the gift exchange where you can steal another person’s gift if you want to.  Bill came home with the gift he took.  He did that last year too.  I guess he likes what he buys.  I got a nice picnic table cover with elastic straps to hold it in place.  Julie picked that out.  I always comment on how nice hers looks when we are camping.  We all cleaned everything up afterwards, then put stuff in our jeep and left.  

We came home and read our Bibles.  Vikki called and came over after she dropped the kids off at youth group.  She surprised me and made that cute snowman in the picture.  What a great surprise from my talented sweet daughter.  She had to leave right away, so we finished reading our Bibles after that.  Then we relaxed in our recliners.  It was a nice 40 degree day and there was lots of sunshine