Sunday, 10/5/25, My sister, Brenda needs prayer, she’s having surgery tomorrow morning to remove a large cyst on her kidney. Went to early church, Bill did two baptisms, Awesome worship, Great message, Prayer afterward, left for Arkansas, made it to Anderson, Indiana, ate then stayed overnight at Cracker Barrel

 

Bill driving through Indiana...it’s the only picture I remembered to take today.  

I got up at 6:30 so I could get ready and have extra time to pack last minute things and take them out to the camper.  After we were all ready, we left to get to church a little earlier because Bill had to do baptisms.  We had to turn around and go get a towel for him, but we hadn’t gone very far down the road at least.  One of my favorite people, Wendy and her husband were greeters at the doors.  She speaks the Word of God and prays it over people in an amazing way.  She’s in my intercessory group.  

I brought a coffee from home, then saw that the youth were having a cold brew day to raise money for their Guatemala mission trip.  I decided to buy a coffee and kept my coffee from home for later.  The cold brew was delicious and it’s a great way to support the youth.  

It was the most awesome worship today.  I just wanted to keep worshipping.  It was Celebrate Sunday today.  10 New Members, 5 Baptisms, 5 baby dedications, 4 teens honored for 100 hours of community service and the ordination of Brian our Worship Leader who is our Pastor’s son.  What a day of celebration for all God has done and is doing.  Donuts afterwards for everyone.  I got mine and headed to prayer after service.  

We talked with people, then when we were going out the door, we talked to Heidi and Jerry and found out Jerry’s brother Scott was on the ride when we were with the Tawas chapter.  He and his wife Abi were the couple we talked to that were so sweet and so on fire for God.  What a small world.  Just Amazing.  

We came home and relaxed for a while and Bill read his Bible.  I made some chicken salad up for sandwiches on our trip, and packed a few more things in the camper.  Then I went out to the camper to read my Bible because I had packed it out there already.  I was just finishing reading when Vikki called to see if they could come over and give us hugs goodbye.  I said of course.  Shortly after, she, Peyton and Rehvyn came.  I went outside to tell them that Bill was out in the camper now, because he was in the house when I talked to her.  I got really big hugs from Peyton.  I needed enough hugs to last.  We all visited in the camper and then when they were leaving, Vikki asked if she could pray for us.  We all stood in a circle with Rehvyn in the center and Vikki prayed a really nice prayer for us and our safe travel and our blessed trip.  Thank you so much, Vikki.  That sure meant a lot to us.

Rehvyn kept saying Bye loud and turning around to wave to me.  Then he came running to me for another hug.  I picked him up and hugged him and then carried him to Peyton.  What a sweetheart.  It was 1 when we left.  My sister, Brenda texted me and said she has to be at the hospital at 6:05 a.m tomorrow morning to have surgery for a large cyst on her kidney.  It has been causing digestive problems, neck pain and back pain.  She wants me to be praying which I started doing right away.  I also got the girls and my friend Vikki praying.  Prayer for her is appreciated.  She is the first surgery of the day.  

We had our first answer to Vikki's prayer.  On the expressway by Bridgeport I saw one of the construction barrels in our lane. Bill couldn’t get over because of traffic, but God had it be right by an entrance to the expressway. There was a truck pulling a trailer getting on so it looked like we weren’t going to have enough time to get over.  They sped up and dad had just enough time to get over and miss it.  Praise God.  Our friend hit a cone once when we were following him and it did a lot of damage to his camper.  

Dad also was holding his coffee mug between his legs and it dropped.  It didn’t roll under his foot or the peddle and I was able to get it. It was closed so no spill!  Thanking God!!!

It was smooth sailing the rest of the trip, in the 80’s and sunny.  Bill did a super great job driving with God protecting us all the way.  So thankful.  We stopped once for gas in Dundee so I could get a few Michigan items for our table at leadership training.  We for got to bring out tub full of stuff.  Kathy is bringing table covers and fall decorations, so we just needed things to show we are from Michigan.  

Our next stop was around 7pm at a Cracker Barrel in Anderson, Indiana.  We asked if we could park our camper overnight in their parking lot and they told us we could.  We ate a great meal and then went out and put blocks under the jacks and pushed the level button.  We needed more boards on one side, so added some and then it was pretty level.  We ran the generator and  relaxed, talked to Melissa, Gayla, and Vikki.  Then we played 3-13.  I was lots ahead most of the game, then Bill pulled ahead and he beat me.  I beat him in dice.   We sure had fun.  

Bill caught up on his phone and I worked on my blog.  Then we went to bed.

Sat., 10/4/25, Worked on Bible Study lesson, did laundry, packed lots of stuff for our trip, went to Chick Fil A, Loaded more stuff in the camper

This picture of Rehvyn is from yesterday, but adding it today since I didn’t post it yesterday

Got up around 8:30.  Ate a piece of Kenzie’s Carrot cake for breakfast.  The frosting tastes amazing just like the cake.  I worked on the first section of my Bible Study for the week then.  I read my Bible more after that.  I started packing what’s on my camping list in clothes baskets.  Did the freezer and refrigerator stuff last.  Bill helped carry everything out to my car and then I drove back to where the camper is parked and Bill came pack and handed everything into the camper to me.  Good teamwork.  I got it put away pretty fast.  

He packed all of his stuff too, except the last minute stuff.  Chris Seager came and borrowed the trailer for the Church Serve Saturday.  We wanted to go, but have to get stuff packed and ready because we leave after church tomorrow.  

Around 4, I ate my leftovers from Zehnders and then I went with Bill to Chick-fil-A and he ate and we both got shakes.   We worked on getting my wallpaper back on my phone since they did an update last night and my last wallpaper disappeared.  Sometimes I don’t like what updates do.  They make things worse instead of better in some instances.  We went to Jacks on our way home.

I packed the stuff we got from Jacks in the camper and also took one more clothes basket of stuff out and loaded it.  I watered around the big maple tree where Bill planted grass.  I hope we get some rain while we are gone on our trip.  I watered the plants in the front of the house too.  

Vikki and Rehvyn FaceTimed me a couple of times.  He sure loves it at Grammy’s.  He was playing with Peyton’s doll the first time and love holding it.  The second time he was taking a bath with two new bath truck toys.  He sure was having fun.  

 

Friday, 10/3/25, Kimmy and Vikki came over, Kenzie dropped Rehvyn off, Went to Zehnders to celebrate their birthdays, went to Bronners, came home, went to Heritage Parade, Went to Jacks, Sam’s, Vikki’s and Aldi,

This is the bird print Vikki saw on my window and took this picture of.  Yikes.  Poor Bird.

Rehvyn when we got to Zehnders

He started coloring right away when our waitress brought the sheet and crayons.

Vikki, Rehvyn, Kimmy and me before our food came

Our food was delicous.  I sure am happy they always invite me along.  We always have so much fun.  Our waitress today was so nice and did an amazing job.  

I always love getting a picture by this chicken bush in Frankenmuth...Rehvyn loves chickens and imitating them. He’s in the picture too.

Vikki and Rehvyn were walking and Rehvyn got excited when he saw a big truck.  He pointed at it.

This is him with the big Red truck behind him.  He sure is observant.

He loved looking at all of the ornaments and got so excited

Another truck that he loved

He always patted the snowmen’s noses

Grammy and Rehvyn in Bronners

Me walking with Rehvyn to look at the lit up dinosaur

It was pretty bright

Rehvyn giving Aunt Debbie a big hug and some snuggles

Me, Kimmy, Debbie, Rehvyn and Vikki..we always love finding Debbie when we are at Bronner's.  She works there.

Rehvyn kept saying down and I told him he was stuck and he started laughing.  Every time I would say it he would laugh.

Her loved watching the money spin around when he put it in the slot.  When he just threw it in it just went immediately down the hole.  He sure was disappointed.

Rehvyn in front of the Nativity at Bronners

The plants in Frankenmuth are so beautiful and are huge

Rehvyn wanted to give me a hug today, so I picked him up.  He gave me the best and longest hug.  He was just so precious.  He is a heart melter.  I love him so much!

Ready to watch the Heritage Parade.  Peyton is in it.

His tongue is out...that runs in the family.  My mom would do it when she was trying hard to do something.  

Pure joy!

He sure caught on fast on how to run and pick up candy.  At first the girl next to him was picking it up so fast he didn’t have a chance to get any.  Then Vershon helped by telling her to give some to Rehvyn.  It was funny how sometimes, Rehvyn would put the candy in the girl’s bag.  They threw so much candy, there was tons for everyone to pick up eventually.

Rehvyn was excited when he saw Peyton.  He ran after her and she had to bring him back to us

Peyton and some friends in the parade

My friend Adam from church.  When he was little he was in my Sunday School class. When I yelled his name, he ran some candy over and threw it down for Rehvyn.

Rehvyn...my neiphew Jame’s wife is in front of Vershon pushing the wagon with my nephew, Dominic in it...my other nephew is running behind.  Holly is a teacher!

Kimmy and Vikki came over a little after 8:30.  We drank our coffee and visited.  Vikki noticed a bird print on my window in the family room and took a picture.  Poor bird!  

Kenzie got her and brought Rehvyn.  He was so happy and excited to see us all.  She also brought me some delicous carrot cake.  I tried a tiny speck and it was delicous.  I couldn’t erat a piece because I wanted to be hungry for our meal in Frankenmuth.

We called Melissa to see if she was going with us, but she couldn’t.  We left and Vikki drove us to Frankenmuth.  Rehvyn was so cute in his car seat and so sweet.  We got to the restaurant and he liked the flowers.  We got seated right away at a big table.  Our waitress was the best ever!  She brought me and Rehvyn a plate too for the sides the girls get for their birthday dinner.  Rehvyn loved the cranberries just like his nana.  I ordered a half hot chicken sandwich for my lunch.  I sure got full from all the sides and took half of my sandwich home.  The girls got full and took the left over sides and chicken home for Bill and Jared to have a meal.  They do that every year.  Rehvyn sure was well behaved at the restaurant.  It was so much fun celebrating Kimmy and Vikki’s birthdays and the wonderful blessings that they are.  They sure are gifts from the Lord.  

We went outside and got a picture by the big chicken bush.  I thought Rehvyn would like to see it since he imitates a chicken so cute.  From where we were, you couldn’t really tell it was a chicken too much like in the picture.  Oh well.  

We went to Bronners next.  Rehvyn just loved walking around looking at everything.  He started wanting to touch ornaments, so Vikki distracted him from doing that.  He was so cute when he spotted trucks and would point and get excited.  He was so observant and so so cute.  After we walked through the whole store, we went and found Bill’s sister, Debbie, who was working. She came out to see us and visit for a few minutes, and, of course, get pictures.  Rehvyn gave her a really good hug which made us all happy.  We walked back to where we came in and took more pictures, then left and headed home.  Bill was really happy to get the food they brought him and sure loved eating that yummy food later.  Thank you girls!  Vikki had to leave to go pick up Peyton, and some friends.  Kimmy stayed and visited until I had to leave at 4 to go to Rody’s Aunt Ann’s and watch the Parade.  It was a beautiful day, but was warm in the 80’s, but we had a nice shaded spot and didn’t get hot.  Peyton did great in the parade.  Rehvyn was so excited to see her when she came up to him that he ran behind her to follow her.  She had to bring him back to us.  She did want to take him with her, but Vikki told her no because it was a long way he would have to go with her.  He had so much fun picking up candy and putting it in his bag and sometimes in the little girl’s bag next to us.  It was nice getting to see Isaac and talk to him for a while we were there.  These kids are growing up way too fast.  Ansel came up to us and said hi when he walked by in the parade, and so did Adam Curry.  They both gave candy to the kids.  People in the parade threw so much candy.  More than I’ve ever seen since I’ve been going and that’s many years.  Rody’s Aunt Ann and Vershon were so nice to us.  They always let us sit in front of their house.  

I went to Jack’s, Sam’s Club, Vikki’s (to drop off money for part of Kenzie’s mixer) then to Aldi’s.  I got all the last minute groceries I needed.  Then I came home.  It sure felt good to get home and sit in my recliner.  I sorted through my pictures and worked on my blog.  We stayed up til after midnight.  It was a very fun day. 

Thurs. 10/2/25, Beautiful sunny day! Cool start in the morning in the 40’s, Went to see my BFF in Grand Haven, spent the day visiting, going to lunch, shopping, going for ice cream, more visiting at her house,

Vikki and me at lunch in Grand Haven

Having ice cream

Telephone pole in Lakecity.

Peyton in the outfit she’s wearing in the parade tomorrow.  She made the tutu.

Kenzie got her Kitchen Aid mixer today and this is the first thing she made with it.  It is a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.  It turned out beautiful.  She’s bringing some for us tomorrow to try.  

 I got up at 6:30 so I could get an early start to go see my Best Friend in Grand Haven.  Bill got up early to go have breakfast with Alec.  He left, then a couple minutes later I left. It was a beautiful day for a ride.  I put my worship music on and enjoyed praising the Lord.  It made the time go by fast.  I got to her house at 10;40.  She greeted me with a big hug.  We were so happy to see each other.  We visited and she showed me the new shower Terry put in their bathroom which is beautiful and also the sunporch where he took out the old screen windows and replaced them with nice windows.  He does amazing work.  He got home a few minutes later fr9m having a blood test and came in and talked with us.  He was wishing Bill had come.  I told him I would bring him with me next time.  Vikki and I left then to go to lunch in Grand Haven.  We drove in her new Toyota Crossover which was very nice nd very comfortable.  She sold her Prius to a college student for 6,000.  He didn’t even ask her to come down in price because he said he loves the Prius, knows how reliable they are and could tell they took really good care of it.  It was a 2014, two years older than mine and had 300,000 miles on it.  Mine has 160,000.  I guess I will get a lot more miles out of mine.  Both of us have only had to have brake pads changed.  Nothing else has gone wrong with them.  I hope mine lasts for a lot more years.

We got to the Restaurant which was also a bakery.  We sat outside and ate since it was so nice out.  We each had a chicken salad sandwich and a bowl of macaroni and cheese which were both delicious.  We spent a long time talking and eating.  We went into the bakery afterward and looked around.  We were going to buy bread, but decided to go to another bakery in town instead.  I did buy 2 big snickerdoodle cookies for Bill.  We walked through lots of shops and each bought the same earrings and necklaces with crosses on them.  We stopped at another bakery, and they asked us if we wanted a sample of cranberry bread.  We said yes and they gave out whole big slices.  It was so good, we both bought a loaf and I also bought Bill a loaf of white bread.  We went through more unique shops and had so much fun looking at all the different things people had made.  We walked back to the car and then went and had yummy ice cream at Vikki and Terry’s favorite ice cream shop.  She told me to get a small because they serve big portions.  I was glad I ordered small when I saw the size of the ice cream.  It was delicous and was Hudsonville Ice Cream which is my favorite.

We went back to her house after that and visited some more and Terry joined us.  Then we said our goodbyes and I left so I could get home before it got dark out.  It was such a fun day with more memories made.  

When I got home, I gave Bill his cookies and bread.  He asked me to butter two slices of bread for him right away.  I had some of my Cranberry bread.  Yum!  Kenzie FaceTimed me to show me the beautiful cake she made and decorated with her new mixer.  It sure looked beautiful and she said it was delicious.  I can’t wait to try it tomorrow.  I called Sue and also Marie because they had both left me messages.  I talked to both of them a long time.  Then I talked to Melissa for a long time.  Hailey came home today for the weekend, so I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow at the parade.  

It sure was a fun day.  Fun to go visit and fun to come home and sit in my recliner next to Bill in his.  I am so blessed.  

Wed., 20/1/25, Beautiful first day of October, Bill took Carol to her dentist appt., I took Max to college, Bill picked Max up, I went to drop of the stuff he left in my car at Melissa’s, did laundry, more Bible Study homework to do.

Lot of birds are coming to these two feeders.  I am trying to see which they like better, sunflower hearts, or sunflower seeds.....They go to both, but spend more time at the sunflower hearts so far

What a beautiful sunny day with no wind and the temperature just right in the mid 60’s.  Bill got up early and took Carol to the dentist.  I got up to remind him to put the stool back in the Jeep that he had taken out, so she could use it to get in his Jeep.  I slept more after he left.  Then I got up and got ready, then read my Bible and worked on my Bible Study.  At 11:15, I left to go pick up Max to take him to college.  I took a bag of candy corn and gave it to Melissa for their family when I went in to visit for a few minutes, before we had to leave..  They were so happy and Melissa had some right away and Max had some in a little bowl he ate on the way.  After I dropped Max off, I went to Sam’s Club and got gas, then went to a couple of shops and got a couple of tops and one pair of slacks.  

I went to the bank after that, then to Aldi, then to Melissa’s.  I gave her the bowl Max left in my car.  Bill picked up Max from college when he got out.

I came home and worked more on my Bible Study.  Bill put a new compartment box on the Trike because the one that came with it broke.  This one is much sturdier.  He did a great job.  He also cleaned all the compartments out and organized the trunk and them.  I forgot to look at them when I went out.  

I made burgers, potatoes, and peas for dinner.  Then I left to pick up Sue for Bible Study.  I could still get through the short way.  They are putting in a roundabout, but still have a light going so traffic can go through.  I picked her up and we went to class.  It was a great study with lots of discussion.  I took Sue home, than came home.  Bill and I had animal crackers for a snack.  I am excited that tomorrow I go to visit my Best Friend Vikki in Grand Haven.  I will be going to bed early so I can get up nice and early.  We are both excited to spend the day together.