Monday, 4/14/25, visited Marie and Roy and took them some food, did the Easter baskets for grandkids who wanted candy

Filled the Easter Baskets for the six grandkids that want baskets.  The other 5 wanted money this year

Our tub full of Easter Candy for us adults 22 years and above.  I had to keep the chocolate marshmallow eggs in the cartons because they aren’t individually wrapped.  I did find some marshmallow bunnies yesterday that were individually wrapped, but the went in the kid’s baskets.  The kids that didn’t get baskets can have their parents get them a few things out of it, but they can’t just help themselves to our adult basket

We read our Bibles, then I went shopping for a few things.  I headed to Bay City after that and stopped at Souper Cafe and picked up a 32 oz. container of Pot Pie Soup.  The owners are friends of ours so I like to support their business.  I went to visit Marie and Roy after that  and gave them the soup and also gave them some round steak and gravy I made in the crockpot and also some mashed potatoes and applesauce.  Took some pudding to them too.

We had a nice visit.  Roy asked me how long I was going to stay, because his nephew needed a ride and Roy wanted to take him where he needed to go.  I told him to go ahead.  Marie and I had a really good visit and talked a lot about all the Lord has done for us and given us.  They are such a dear couple.  When Roy got back, I left.  I came home and Bill had unloaded the dishwasher for me.  I sure did thank him.  Then I warmed up the crockpot food and Bill and I ate.  I went up and got all of the Easter stuff out of the attic and started filling the baskets.  

 Just as I was finishing doing the baskets, Bill yelled that there was either a bat or a bird that flew across the room downstairs.  I closed all of the doors upstairs, then went downstairs and did the same.  It was a bat and it flew from the living room into the kitchen, went over my head and then back over Bill’s head.  He saw it upstairs on the trim around the door of the room I had been in.  Sure am glad I closed the doors up there.  He took the broom, gave it a smack, I screamed at the bottom of the stairs.  I walked upstairs and he told me to get him a jar.  I went down the stairs and then down the basement stairs, got a jar and went back up those stairs and then upstairs again.  He said that wouldn’t work, so I went downstairs and got a cool whip container.  I could tell that wasn’t going to work because we didn’t want to get close enough to get bit or scratched.  I had been praying.  Then I thought of a glue trap.  Bill said to get two of them.  I went back downstairs, then down to the basement, back up the basement steps and then back up to the upstairs bedroom.  Bill held the broom, I stuck the glue trap to what I could of the bat, while Bill moved the broom a little and I stuck more of it to it.  Then Bill took care of it.  I sure got my exercise.  Bats can be outside, but they sure aren’t welcome inside.  Scary because you never know if they are carrying rabies.  That was our big adventure of the evening!

 

Sunday, 4/13/25, Abi got baptized today! Yay! So Happy for her and proud of her following Jesus! Went to prayer, Than into church. Sue came back to prayer today too, Took the boys to Melissa’s, went to Lansing, met Bev and Ron and Sue and Doug

Melissa sent me these cute pictures of her and Hailey on their walk yesterday

Kimmy sent me a picture of Eli’s sheep for 4 H.  It’s so cute!

Vikki cut 2 inches off Eli’s hair today

Eli trapped an opossom today

Congratulations to Abi.  She gave her testimony and got baptized today at the church they got to when at college.  So proud of her for following Jesus!  

These last three are professional pictures that were taken.  Abi looks so beautiful and happy!

Kimmy had told us that Abi was getting baptized, and let us know this morning they were going to surprise her and go.  We would have went too if we had known sooner.  Jacob texted me and told me he wished he would have told us sooner.  

I got up early and browned round steak and got it going in the crockpot with cream of chicken soup.  I also peeled potatoes.  Then Bill reminded me that we were going to Lansing to meet two CMA couples who are helping us plan our State Rally.  I guess it will be tomorrow's dinner.  I got ready, then woke Eli and Evan up so they could eat and be ready on time.  We got to church and the boys waited in the sanctuary while we went to pray.  Sue came back for the first time today.  She came into prayer and then sat by us during the service. Rody and the kids were sitting in our row with Eli and Evan when we came into the service.  It was packed today.  Next week we start having 2 services.  

We came home for a half hour after church.  Eli wanted spaghetti’os and meatballs and Evan said he wasn’t hungry yet.  I dropped off a pizza to Melissa’s when we dropped them off in case Eli, who is a little fussy, needed something to eat.  I told the boys what amazing grandsons they were and how much I loved having them stay with us.  

We headed to Lansing then.  We have made a few trips there lately.  I talked to Kenny for a while during our ride.  It was a nice ride and when we got almost to the Cracker Barrel, we got a text from both couples saying they were there.  We got there about 5 minutes later.  The guys all got breakfast.  I got grilled chicken tenders, Sue got crispy chicken tenders, and Bev got a chicken salad.  The guys all finished really quick.  We laughed because we still had most of our food on our plates.  We had a great meeting and they sure are great friends and amazing Area Reps for us.  

I texted with Abi for a while, then texted with Jacob.  I wanted to let Abi know how happy we were for her and how proud we are of her.  We wanted to take them out for dessert, but they didn’t get our message in time.  Abi had studies too and Jacob said he was really tired, so he was sleeping.  We will do it sometime soon.  

We got home and read our Bibles and relaxed after I got a few things done that needed attention.  I talked to Melissa for a long time.  

Saturday, 4/12/25, Went to Faith Riders chapter meeting, went with Gayla to Girls of Grace “Our God Can”,, went to Melissa’s, Evan and Eli spent the night

Evan

Hailey peeling potatoes for their dinner

Evan and Melissa

Eli with his wrapped burned thumb and Evan with his swollen left foot

Relaxing while we watched The Forge

Bill got his sword for the boys to see after the movie was over

 We went to Faith Rider’s Chapter meeting in the morning.  We ate and then the meeting started.  It was a good meeting and there was a great turnout for it.  Bill announced that Lew and Cindy had been approved by headquarters and were now Area Reps for Faith Riders and  2 other chapters.  People are pitching in to help until a new president replaces them in the chapter.  Gayla left early so she could pick up Lee and Sue for our trip to Frankenmuth.  

Melissa called to see what I was doing.  She and Hailey wanted to come visit.  I had plans to got with Gayla to see Girls of Grace, so I said I would stop over and see them when I got home.  

When I got home, I changed clothes, then waited for a short time for Gayla to come pick me up.  We had and nice ride and visit.  Her sister in law had a stroke when she was getting a stent put in, so she needed someone’s arm to hang on to help steady her.  She was the sweetest person and I was happy to help her.  She had forgot to bring a water, so I went out and got all 5 of us waters.  Janet met us there and sat with us too.  The girls (and some guy) all did an amazing job doing worshipful dance to beautiful worship music.  It was very moving.  

Afterwards, we went to DaVinci’s and ate.  Sue and I had chicken Alfredo and Gayla and Lee had tacos.  Janet had a huge salad.  We all liked what we got.  It was delicious.  Their portions were big, so we all took food home. 

We had a nice ride back home on this beautiful 57 degree sunny day.  It was such a fun day with a wonderful group of friends.  Thanks to Gayla for buying all of our tickets and driving us there in her van.  She is so sweet and kind.  

I went to Melissa’s afterwards to visit.  Hailey was peeling potatoes for a special chicken dinner she was making.  Bruce helped her peel.  I got to say hi to Max and Jack while they were downstairs.  Evan had his suitcase packed to come home with me and spend the night.  After we visited for a while, Evan and I left and went to Souper Cafe to pick up soup and a half sandwich for Bill.  Then we went to Walmart and Evan picked out cereal and snacks for him and Eli.

When Jared dropped Eli off, he came in and I gave him Hope’s earrings she forgot at our house, so they could give them to her when they see her next.  I made them a pizza and then we all watched the movie, The Forge.  It’s such a great movie and both boys loved it.  Eli had seen it a couple of times already.  Bill got his sword out and let the boys hold it afterward.  There was a sword in the movie that Isaiah had to hold straight out for a few minutes, until he needed others in the circle to help him.  Bill always has something to show the grandkids or tell them.  He is such a good Papa.

Bill and I went to bed after the movie.  The boys stayed up for a while afterwards.  

Friday, 4/11/25, Kimmy and Vikki came over, we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast, Bill met Pastor Jeff for breakfast, hung out at our house, FaceTimed with Kenzie and Rehvyn, Kimmy, Bill and I raked some of yard, Bill planted grass seed

Steve’s paw is looking so much better

Jacob by Uncle Fred’s new lawnmower

So sad because my sister’s dog had to be put to sleep

Lenten Rose justs gets prettier every day.  

Rehvyn standing with his hands behind his back

Kimmy and Vikki came around 8:30.  I drove us to Cracker Barrel and Vikki used her gift card to buy us all breakfast.  It sure was good.  Thank you Vikki.  We looked around the gift shop and Vikki got a really cute salt and pepper shaker.  After that, we went to Warmbier’s and walked around outside, then went inside.  They have so many neat things there.  Bill went to meet Pastor Jeff at Nori’s for breakfast and to talk.  

We came back to our house, and we all relaxed/napped for about a half hour.  After that, Kimmy made a half pot of coffee and we all had some.  We FaceTimed with Kenzie and Rehvyn.   Rehvyn sure melts your heart.  He is so sweet and cute.  

My sister, Brenda, texted me with sad news.  Their poodle, Geena, had to be put down.  She was so sad and crying, and knew we would pray for her and Dave.  We all prayed right away, 

I filled all of the bird feeders and put suet out.  The feeders were getting pretty low.  Lots of birds came afterward.  I put the bird bath out and filled it too.  Vikki had to go pick up the kids from school, so Kimmy and I took a walk outside and looked at all my plants.  Nice seeing hyacinths coming up and daffodils, and all the others just breaking through the ground.  Bill wanted us to rake under and around the big tree so he could put grass seed down.  Kimmy and I raked and prepared the ground and Bill walked with the grass seed spreader and put the grass seed down.  We did both sides of the house where it was needed.  Kimmy is always a hard worker.  We had fun working together.  Afterwards, we sat on the swings out on the deck and drank water.  It was 58 degrees out at that time with the sun shining.  So nice out!  Kimmy had to leave, so I walked out with her. 

She took some Hens and Chicks to plant at her house.  

Bill and I warmed up our left over pancakes we brought home from breakfast this morning.  

 

 

Thurs., 4/10/25, Called and wished Roy a happy 90th birthday, went to Bill’s appt. with his brother, Fred’s, surgeon, went to Fred and Lourdes's

We were so happy to see Jacob today!  Fritzy sure likes him

These brothers are starting to look alike

Fritzy looks so beautiful lying by the fireplace

Fred had Jacob take this picture.  We ate burgers and potato salad for dinner, and had my apple pie for dessert.  

We got ready, made our coffee, and then read our Bibles.  We left at 10 to head to Lansing to go to Bill’s neurologist appt.  We got there a half hour early, but they took us back right away.  The visit went well.  She tested his reflexes, etc. and discussed his MRI results with us.  He is doing good right now, so they think the new injections are working good.  No surgery needed now, so that was a great report.  We headed to Fred’s house afterwards and took a drive around their lake before going to their house.  We picked up some ice cream for on our pie when we got to their town.  It was nice to get to visit with Fred and Lourdes, and it sure was an added blessing to get to spend time with Jacob.  

Jacob and Papa went to pick up some potato salad, because Lourdes forgot to get some.  I stayed and visited with them and helped set things on the table for dinner.  Fred grilled the burgers and they tasted great.  We ate our apple pie with ice cream after that.  Jacob just wanted ice cream, because he doesn’t like pie.  I guess I don’t pay much attention on holidays, because I never knew that.  

After dinner, we taught Fred and Lourdes how to play 3-13.  Jacob was scorekeeper and also shuffled the cards for me, and once for Lourdes.  We were glad he had two decks of cards so we could play.  They were new decks too.  We sure had fun!  Fred was the winner, I was second, Bill was third, Jacob was fourth and Lourdes was the big looser.  She told Jacob once time that her score was negative 62.  He didn’t let her get away with that.  Then Fred was talking to Jacob about a card, and Jacob threw him a wild card.  Poor Jacob and happy Uncle Fred.  Jacob still went out that hand.  They really liked playing it.  

We packed up our stuff, and said our goodbyes.  Jacob had told us he had to get ready for his Salt meeting, so he went downstairs.  I yelled down goodbye, but he didn’t hear me.  We left and then I texted Jacob and told him goodbye and sent him a hug.  He answered me right away and was disappointed he didn’t get to hug us and tell us goodbye in person.  

It was a fun day.  So happy Fred and Lourdes moved back here and thankful we get to see them quite often now.  Very happy Jacob has such a nice place to stay and family who cares about him lots.  We are blessed.

 

Wed., 4/9/25, another cold day, washed sheets, went to Birch Run to Camping World, went to Frankenmuth, stopped at Tim Hortons, baked an apple pie, watched the movie, I’m not Him

I love the big flag at Camping World...so beautiful with the wind blowing it!  I love America!

Bavarian Inn Lodge’s new water park.  It is huge!

I got up 20 minutes after Bill this morning.  I took the sheets and pillow cases off the bed, and put them in the washing machine.  After I did it, I thought I shouldn’t have done it today because we have a California King size mattress and it’s heavy to lift the corners to put sheets on.  Bill always does that part for me.  I realized he couldn’t today, because he isn’t supposed to do heavy lifting for a while.  He told me he was going to help me anyway.  When the sheets were dry, I quick went in and got the bed made up before he could do it.  I was so thankful I was able to get it by myself.  I thanked God because I had asked him to help me.

I went out and sat in the loveseat recliner by Bill and we both read our Bibles.  I read 3 chapters in Deuteronomy and 2 in 1st Samuel.  I love reading God’s Word!

In the afternoon, we went to Birch Run and walked through Camping World, the went to the General Camping Store.  We didn’t buy anything, just looked and went in a couple of campers.  

We went to Tim Horton’s before we left Frankenmuth.  We got a coffee, a cappuccino, and two donuts.  Bill got an old fashioned donut and I got a Vanilla Dip.  Yum!

We stopped at Meijer and I bought a glass pie dish, and some aluminum disposable pie pans.  I baked a pie when I got home and needed a new big pie dish because my other one is at Fred and Lourdes’s house.  We are visiting them after Bill’s doctor appointment in Lansing tomorrow, and I am taking a pie for our dessert.  I talked to Kimmy about a couple of questions I had about her recipe.  She answered right away and I was happy to get the information I needed.  She said Adam is going to try regular food now.  He said he has some pain still but not much.  I am so happy for him.   

We watched a Christian movie called I’m not Him.  It was pretty good.  

  

Tues., 4/8/25, Bill had biopsy, prayer group at church met

Had a really good omelet at the VA while Bill was getting his biopsy done

He’s cute.  He always says are you going to get a picture.  I’m happy he reminds me.  

I prayed over Bill last night, and then this morning Vikki, Bill and I prayed on our way to the VA hospital.  Our family is praying for him and lots of people at church are praying for him.  We had to be there at 9:30 for Bill’s biopsy on his prostrate.  We checked in and they told me not to leave the hospital, but said I could go to the Cafe and the Gift shop if I wanted too.  Once they took Bill back, I went into the waiting room and watched the patient screen while he was in pre op.  They had told me he would be back there around 2 hours.  I went downstairs and walked through the gift shop.  Then I got an orange juice and an omelet, for $5.   It was very good food and lots of it.  A nice veteran on an amigo came over to my table and talked to me for a while.  I thanked him for his service.  

I went back upstairs and waited for about another 45 minutes.  A home makeover program was on, so I watched that while I waited.  Bill’s nurse came and got me and took me to the recovery room.  Bill was eating Lorna Dune Cookies; 3 packs of them and drinking juice.  After she read discharge instructions and took out the IV, Bill got dressed and got in the wheelchair.  I went down to get the Jeep and pull up front.  Our parking spot was quite a ways away.  Bill had to pick up an antibiotic in the lab on his way out.  I only waited by the door about 5 minutes and the volunteer brought him out.  He wanted to go to Chic Fil A, but it was 12:30, so we knew it would be busy.  Then he decided he wanted breakfast so we checked out Leo’s.  It was packed with cars in the lot.  We just came home and I made him scrambled eggs with fried potatoes.  He warmed up a roll too.  

While he ate, I read my Bible.  I’m enjoying listening to it being read while I follow along in my Bible.  Bill rested when he was done, and he read his Bible later.  He got together with Alec later to go to Panera Bread.  He couldn’t drive, so arranged to be picked up and dropped off here.  Alec took him to the house they are buying and they walked around the property.  Bill said it is really nice.  The pictures I saw of it were nice.  

I went to intercessory prayer.  It was so good!  We rejoiced over answered prayers and then worshipped for a while.  After that we prayed for the leadership, congregation and for our first responders.  A policeman who was 45 passed away from brain cancer.  He accepted the Lord after being diagnosed and was really seeking God and telling others about him.  He asked our Associate Pastor who was a chaplain at the Police Station, to do his funeral at our church.  Then he added, he wanted him to share a message about Jesus.  Well, they showed him on Thursday and over a thousand people came.  Friday was the day of his funeral and it was packed.  

When I got home, we had a drumstick.  Mine was chocolate and Bill’s was vanilla.  

I worked on my blog and Bill worked on CMA stuff.  

Kimmy called me and sent me some pictures of Jacob and Abi.  She said Jacob said he was looking forward to seeing us on Thursday when we go to Fred’s after Bill’s doctor appt. with the surgeon who did Fred’s back surgery.  

Pictures from Kimmy

Steve is loving it in the house.  His paw is healing good, even though he has lost his claws.  He’s still a very happy friendly cat.