Saturday, 12/13/25, Rehvyb’s 2nd Birthday Party, Lots of fun, my first time riding in Jeep since surgery, high winds, slippery roads by Kenzie’s, Jack drove Melissa and Bruce there

 

Rehvyn at his 2nd Birthday party. Eating his cupcake

Papa, Rehvyn and Kenzie

Blowing out his candles

Group picture...Kimmy took it...Vikki, Jared, Roy, Isaac, Jack, Bruce, me, Kenzie, Rehvyn, Bill, Omi, Adam, Peyton, and Travis...Melissa was sitting but.can’t be seen, and neither can Eli be seen.  They are in other pictures though.

You can see the rest of the group other than poppy in this picture

Kenzie, Rehvyn, and Travis

Rehvyn opening his gifts

Reehvyn playing with his gifts

Kenzie and Travis

 

On his John Deere Teactor

Vikki, Melissa, and Rehvyn

Hailey made it to Chicago today! She sent me pictures! Yay

I got ready and did my hair early.  Maddy came over around 8:45 a.m..  It was super cold and windy.  I hurried to the door to let her in quick.  She brought Bill a vanilla shake and me a peppermint mocha shake (one for her too).  She also gave me a yummy cookie from there.  Bill was still sleeping when she got here.  We had a nice visit and it sure was good to see her. Bill came out and he enjoyed the shake she brought him and was so happy to get it and visit too.  She stayed for about 1 1/2 hours.  Loved spending time with her.

We read our Bibles after she left and then packed stuff in the Jeep and headed to Rehvyn’s Birthday Party.  The first time I have been able to get in the Jeep since surgery.  Used a stool to get in with help from Bill.  He sure helps me a lot.  

When we got near Kenzie’s, the wind was really blowing the snow over the roads making it icy.  We got to pull up right by the door in the driveway.  Bill got the stool out and Rody was sweet and came to help me get in the house without my walker.  He’s like a Rock, so I didn’t have to worry about getting in safely.  Thank you so much Rody.  I really appreciate you and how kind you are.  The house was so cozy and decorated so nicely.   They took me and showed me the recliner that was mine to use for the day.  It was nice and comfy.  Travis was just so nice to me and had good Christmas movies I like all set up for me to watch.  He kept checking on me and coming into visit and make sure I had people in the living room with me.  So sweet!  Everyone was so nice and Vikki got my food for me, Kimmy helped hold things for me and reach what I couldn’t and Bill helped with what ever I needed too.  What a great family.  I didn’t take my walker in, so did some walking, but stayed in the chair quite a bit too.  

Everyone came except Jacob, Evan, Hailey, and Max.  Kenzie’s Omi and Poppy were there.  It was nice to see them.  Kenzie had made cabbage buns, pizza buns with turkey, pizza buns with no cheese and regular pizza buns.  She is a good cook.  They were delicous.  She made a great cup with pretzels, crackers, fruit and did too that was delicious.  She also made yummy lemon bars and parfaits.  And she made cupcakes (banana and strawberry cupcakes for Rehvyn’s candles and for all of us to eat.  Everything was so special.  We were stuffed when we finished. 

Rehvyn opened everything so sweetly.  He would open something and go play with it.  Then when told to go open something else he would open something else.  He loved everything and would take time to have Eli open them with his knife, then Rehvyn would play with them.  We got him a bus that plays the wheels on the bus.  He sure loved and was so cute with it.  He opened a riding John Deer tractor last from Omi and Poppi and he sure loved it.  He always went back to play with everything else though.  Such a cute two year old grandson.  

Rody and Bill helped me down Kenzie’s porch steps and back into the Jeep.  We followed Jack driving on the way home.  He did great.  When we got home we walked around, then put stuff away and then relaxed.  I went through my pictures and sent them to Vikki so she could post and just tag me in her post. She is quick to do that and I sure do appreciate her.  

Friday, 12/12/25, Kimmy and Vikki came over, then Melissa and Hailey came over, hung out, I walked a lot without the walker, had chips, queso and a great mixture of rice, Guacamole, mixed peppers, extra pico , and shredded cheese, went to Walmart with , Vikki and Meijer with Kimmy and Vikki, Bill volunteered at Pat’s,

Our fun lunch!!!!  We sure were a happy bunch eating that good food.

I’m glad Vikki could show me how to use and amigo for the stores.  I did pretty good on them.

 I got up early and made brownies.  This is the first time I’ve baked something since my surgery.  Then got ready and then put worship music on until Vikki came.  I greeted her and showed her how I can walk a lot without the walker now (2 weeks and 2 days after my surgery). She was very happy.  Kimmy got here and I greeted her.  I always love our Friday get togethers.  Vikki had me show her how I could walk good without my walker.  She was very happy too.  Last night I got up in the night to go to the bathroom.  When I came back and got by my recliner, I decided I should turn the heat reflector more in my direction.  I parked my walker, walked over to the heat reflector and then walked back to my recliner where my walker was parked.  Things just got better after that.  Such freedom!  I will still use my walker when I go away and if I need it at home.  Melissa and Hailey came and they were really happy to see me walking on my own too.  Bill was so happy to see me walking lots with out the walker too.  Lots of progress coming quickly now.

We all hung out and visited, and had so much fun.  It was extra special having Hailey here again.  She’s going on a trip to Chicago tomorrow with friends.  We all decided we wanted Qdoba chips and queso for lunch.  Vikki and Melissa picked it up for us.  It was so good and we got full fast on what we had.  

After lunch, we visited more, then Melissa and Hailey had to leave to go shopping.  Vikki, Kimmy and I went shopping too.  Vikki drove my car and dropped Kimmy off at Kohl’s, then Vikki and I went to Walmart for some jogging pants and a birthday card for Rehvyn.  I was a little nervous to use the Amigo there, but Vikki gave me a lesson and it was super easy.  There was one parked next to the handicap place we pulled into.  We didn’t take too long, then headed over to pick Kimmy up.  We all pulled in a spot where a lady had just come out with an amigo, so she let us have it and we pulled into the spot next to her.  

That was fun and went quick too. Kimmy just had to return something for Christmas because I ordered hrr a different thing today that is like mine, even though it was a little bit more. I know she will like it better.  That didn’t take long either.  We let Kimmy run into Target to check on something for Rehfyn from Jacob next, but they didn’t have it.  Then we met Melissa and Hailey at Vikki’s because we were all donating our pop cans so Hailey could take more money on her trip.  Vikki couldn’t get my key to work in her door, so we left and Vikki is going to drop it off later.  Kimmy drove my car and we picked Peyton and Isaac up from school.  We came back to my house, Bill was at Pat’s Food Center collecting for Toys for Tots for the Marine Corp League.  The kids had brownies and then Kimmy and Vikki made a coffee.  We sat while they relaxed and enjoyed it and then Kimmy realized she needed to get home because Melissa and family and Peggy were coming to her house to bury Badger.  Jared had already dug the hole.  So wonderful of him.  

I warmed up the spaghetti, dished up some applesauce and made some broccoli in my new Ninja Foods pan. When I said I would dish stuff up, Bill asked me if I was sure I didn’t want him to.  I told him I could.  The new frying pan worked great and even Bill said the broccoli was good after he wasn’t going to try any.  We relaxed for a while after that, then I did my exercises, took my shower and worked on my blog.  Exited to go to Rehvyn’s birthday party at Kenzie’s tomorrow.

Thursday, 12/11/25, Happy 2nd Birthday Rehvyn, Nana and Papa love you so much! Facetimed with Rehvyn, did leg raising exercises, went to Kohls, walked up and down stairs at home,

Happy 2nd Birthday Rehvyn!  We love you so so much!

Rehvyn and his mommy

Happy in the snow

Nana facetiming Rehvyn on his Birthday.  He was just the cutest and love his new Off Road vehicle.  He scared himself when he honked the horn and wouldn’t honk it again.  Then he did it one more time.  

Beautiful Christmas card Sister C gave to us today.  It lights up when you open it.  I loved it and had to call her and tell her so.  She was so happy I loved it as she picked it out special and said it was like sending a hug to me.  It sure was!

Bill and I eating at the table for dinner enjoying his spaghetti.  So yummy!

Peyton relaxing in her rom with all of her Squishmallows and Lauren Daigle Blanket.

Kenzie FaceTimed me.  I was so happy to see Rehvyn and said you’ll be 2 pretty soon. Hold up two fingers.  Then Kenzie said today is his birthday.  I hadn’t looked at the date so didn’t realize it was the 11th.  I had so much fun talking to him and watching him in his 4 wheeler.  He sure loved it and wanted to sit in it all the time.  I can’t wait to celebrate with him on Saturday.  He’s such a loving little boy. 

Bill had to take his sister Carol to her doctor appt.  He left at around 8:30.  I got ready and did my leg lifts.  They are the hardest for me to do, but I’m getting better at it.  I ate breakfast, then got my lists of Christmas presents organized.  I watered my plants, and made my side of the bed.  I have to move the sheets and blankets back when I do exercises.  I could do more little things with just walking a little ways away from my walker.  

I called Bill to see if he would pick me up a shake on his way home.  He got me a yummy peppermint shake from Chic-fil-A.  Yum!  He also brought home donuts from our favorite bakery in Bridgeport.  Double Yum!  He gave me the card from Carol to open.  Such a blessing!  We decided to go to Kohls and walk around and shop and use our Kohl’s Cash.  We covered the whole store.  I did pretty good with my walker until I waited 25 minutes for Bill to check out.  I was getting a little sore and tired by the time he was done.  It felt good to get in the car and sit.  When we got home, I relaxed for a while.  So did he.  We read our Bibles.  He asked me if I wanted him to fix me a plate of spaghetti.  I told him yes, but asked if we could walk up the stairs and down first.   I used the rail and he walked next to me.  Going up was pretty easy.  Coming down was a little harder, but not bad.  I went one step at a time.  I was so happy to be able to do it.  I want to practice everything I can because they called and my therapy doesn’t start until 12/30 because they are booked until then.  

We ate at the table for the second time.  Nice to be able to do that comfortably too.   

I talked to Kimmy and ordered my gift for Jared after she sent me an idea.  I think he will really like it.  I also got Peyton’s list, so ordered her stuff.  I talked to Melissa and she thought I walked all over Kohls without my walker.  We both got a really good laugh out of that.  She thought Bill was just walking next to me to catch me if I fell.  It was hard enough walking through the whole store with a walker.  She also told me she has a surprise for me and decided to tell me.  She has been practicing two Christmas songs on the Piano from the Salty Play that she knew really well when she was taking lessons.  She started off slow, and they came right back to her.  I can’ t wait to hear her play them.  What a great Christmas gift!  I told her she didn’t waste our piano lesson money and she laughed because she had thought the same thing.  

I talked to Vikki today too.  I can’t wait til the girls come over tomorrow.  Always fun Fridays!    I talked to Sue and to Marie today.  Both are doing pretty good now.

Wed., 12/10/25, Finally at 5:45 they closed all the schools around here, warmed up breakfast leftovers, Bill snowblower driveways and sidewalks, went to family doctor post op appt. went to souper cafe for lunch, rested at home, called Dr. Bindon’s office to schedule therapy, Bill picked Jack up and spent time with him

Six more inches of snow last night.  It sure is beautiful outside!

Lots of cardinals coming and going to this tree today

Beautiful drive to my doctor appointment

Our road was really pretty on the way home

Evan and Lydia with the Gingerbread houses they made.  Such a cute picture!

I didn’t sleep good, so kept getting up and checking on the snowfall (it was coming down in big flakes and lots of it) and also kept checking for the schools in our area to close.  Two were closed and delayed before I went to bed, and many in other areas were on the list.  Finally at 5:45 they closed our schools and Kimmy’s.  I went back to sleep, but then got up about 7:30.  I put on worship music and enjoyed it.  I walked around checking the snowfall, checking my Christmas Cactus, and them warmed up my ham and potatoes from Leo’s for breakfast.  It tasted yummy still.  I heard Bill get up and heard him unload the dishwasher, so I got up and loaded my dishes.  Then he got ready and went out to do the snowplowing and I got ready for my doctor appt. even though it isn’t til 1:30.  I rested for a while because I know not to overdo.  Then I went in to my room and was doing my hair and Vikki called.  She was happy to have the day off.  We talked for a while, then she was going to take a nap.  

Bill came in and we got our coats on and I wore a pair of Sketcher’s that covered the back of my foot good.  The roads were snow covered but everything was just beautiful.  We got a parking spot right by the door of my doctor’s office.  We got in right away. I got weighed, then she took my blood pressure, then my PA, Sara was in the doorway greeting me and to us back to the room.  I had Bill come back so he could show her the picture of my incision, since it was bandaged again.  She wanted to check my leg for swelling, so when she went to grab it, it told her I had to take my shoe off.  It’s weird, but after surgery and not wearing any shoes they feel super heavy.  She picked my shoe up and looked at it and said, huh, Sketchers small shoe is heavy and laughed.  There was no swelling still so that was good.  She did say she thinks therapy would be good because sometimes when you do your own exercises you give up if it’s painful, plus they get you doing things the right way much faster.  I told her I had been thinking about that after my surgeon asked about therapy Monday.  Bill agreed so I will call the surgeon’s office and set it up.

We went to Souper Cafe for lunch and had egg salad sandwiches and soup.  I forgot to take a picture of our second outing too.  We came home after that, and I called the surgeons office and talked to the nurse, so she’s setting up the therapy after she talks to the doctor.  

I was tired after all the morning and afternoon activity, so relaxed in my recliner.  Bill was relaxing too.  Melissa called and told me Evan’s friend and her mom picked Evan up to help get Badger off his mind and were making gingerbread houses.  I was thinking of me not being able to, but told Melissa it was too bad Jack didn’t have someone to take him out. Then I looked at Bill and he said he would.  We were happy that we thought of him. and he was happy to.  He left to pick him up and I got a short nap in.  I talked to Melissa later and she said Jack had the best time with Papa going to Culver’s and then going to a big parking lot with the Jeep and spinning.  I’m glad I wasn’t with them.  It’s good guy fun though.

I did some knitting in the evening.  I finished another dish cloth.  Then I did my exercises and worked on my blog.  

Bill and I watched one of my favorite Christmas movies, Christmas for a Dollar.  It is so good and is a tear jerker. I love how close the family is in it.  

I enjoyed talking with all three girls today and am so thankful for such loving caring daughters.  Talked with Kenzie too and I am so thankful for her too.  She texted me later and showed me a video of her beta fish that was really cool.  

Tuesday, 12/9/25, Happy Birthday Sister C, We love you!, Kimmy called while she had an awful snowy hard to see slippery drive to take Eli to school, Melissa called and Badger isn’t doing well, will have to be put down today, I’m so sad, Vikki came over while waiting between when she got out of work and time to pick the kids up, very slippery driving, Bill picked Max up,

 

Max asked Melissa if they could get Badger a Pup Cup from Starbucks.  Wanted to make him happy before they have to take him to the vet today to put him down because of kidney failure.  Sad day, but nice to see happy moments in it.  We all love Badger so much!

He sure did enjoy that Pup Cup

My flowers are doing great still.  Front one is a week old and one below is 2 weeks old.

I got up pretty early because I slept good last night and was wide awake this morning.  First time, but no pain now so much easier. I even was moving the operative leg to help push myself up in the night once.   I didn’t want to move it before. Exercises must be working.  

I am so thankful to have my new very soft comfy electric throw.  Great time to get it the day before surgery.  It helps me sleep comfy.  I tried to sleep in bed with small couch pillows between my legs like they say, but there was no turning on my good side because it hurt to move my operative leg.  Bummer.  Oh well, I read that it’s better to wait than take a chance. I decided to call Kimmy to let her know I had Jeep Christmas ideas for Bill for her. She was driving Eli to school and the roads were very slippery and it was also windy with low visibility.  Eli wanted to turn around and go home.  Kimmy kept driving.  She saw a car in the ditch across from Eli’s school.   The she saw hazard lights ahead of her and a lady had gone into a deep ditch. Kimmy said she wouldn’t have been able to see her if the car wasn’t there with the lights on.  

I got ready and was able to use the sock stretcher and got my small socks on both feet.  Yay.  I am happy when I can take a job away from Bill.  I was able to wash some dishes that don’t go in the dishwasher and some plastic bags.  I am able to stand and do them now without holding on to the walker, so I just put it off to the side and can do light stuff.  

Melissa called me and said Badger’s kidney numbers are up too high.  He has other high numbers that could lead to heart problems.  They decided they would go at 4 today and put him down.  Lots of crying here too.  I love Badger.  They were going to go to Kimmy’s afterwards as that is where they bury their dogs.  The roads were icy and then were to get worse so they had to come up with a different plan.

Bill picked up Max and took him to an appointment.  Max shaved his beard off.  

Vikki came over after she got out of work and hung out until she had to pick up the kids from school.  Kimmy called and said all evening activities in their area were cancelled and the roads were very icy.  We let Melissa know.  Kimmy told her they would keep the body in the freezer at the vets, so they checked on it and it worked out for as long as they need,  This extra cold December has the ground really frozen already.  Melissa called me afterwards and said it went very peaceful.  They had a room with a couch in it and enough room for everyone (Peggy too) who loves Badger so much also.  Such a hard thin to do.  I am glad they make it such a nice atmosphere for families.  Praying for all of them as they go home and miss him.  

Bill made spaghetti for dinner.  I had cooked ground beef and put it in the freezer, so he defrosted it and heated everything and cooked the spaghetti.  He did a great job and served me mine.  This was the first time I’ve eaten at the table since my surgery.  After dinner, we called Debbie and Jeff.  She had knee surgery 5 days after me.  Jeff told us when he answered the phone that she was out in the driveway shoveling because she was supposed to ice her knee.  He sure is a jokester.  He had us laughing.  We had a nice talk checking on each other and talking about how God is helping both of us to recover quickly.  Jeff said he would sell us.a picture of Debbie’s incision to be funny and we had to laugh and tell them how Bill took a picture of my incision yesterday too.  He told me and the doctor it was for me to see.  I did appreciate getting to see it, but it’s not for sale lol.  We all prayed for each other and our church before we hung up.  They are great friends.  

Monday, 12/8/25, went to post op appt. with Surgeon, then went on first outing to Leo’s for breakfast, came home to relax after busy morning, Bill went to Menards, Let girls know results of my appt., Did more walking

My new hip....X’ray taken today at post surgery appt.  All is going well and looking well my doctor said.

More blossoms everyday!

I got up at 7, thinking I would have lots of time to get ready.  I did my hair in 10 minute segments, then came out to sit and rest.  That worked well  Then got dressed.  I did need Bill’s help with the long pants.  Shorts are much easier to use the grabber and get on.  By the time I made our coffees, Bill got my basket off the walker and I got out the door and down the two steps, it was 9:01 when we left.  We had wanted to leave 6 minutes earlier.  Bill took the expressway so that was quick.  We got there about 15 minutes early.  It is quite a walk to where the doctors office is and there is a big ramp to walk up, so Bill drove up and then let Valet Parking do the parking.  I got in right away for my appt.  The guy came and got me to take X-Rays and I told Bill I would be fast because it was almost right across the hall.  Surpise...we walked half of the big circle the offices are in and finally got there.  The three X-Rays went fast.  Then the guy told me we were taking a shortcut now and we went out the other door and it was right across from my room.  My doctor came in after looking at my X-Rays.  He showed them to us, and said they look great and nothing has shifted or moved.  Then he changed my incision bandage and also took the one with the 3 little cuts for the Robotic arm off.  He said the incision looked really good.  All is going well and I am healing really well.  He wants me to see the walker for two more weeks just for safety so I don’t fall since it’s winter and there’s lots going on.  I was very ok for that.  Around the house I can take steps without it, just need it always to be close.  Yay!  I can go to Rehvyn’s Birthday party now.  I sure did thank him for the excellent job he did.  He is only 32 and sure is knowledgable, skillful and kind.  He is a believer too!  I have to go back and see him one more time in January.

We went to Leo’s for breakfast after that.  We both had eggs, meat, potatoes and toast.  It was devious and probably the cheapest breakfast in town.  I forgot to take a picture even though I said I was going to.  I let all the girls know how my appointment went after I got home.  I could only text Vikki til she got out of work.fvff 

Bill dropped me off at home so I could rest after all that, and he went to Menards to see if he could pick up Eli and Adam’s Christmas gift.  He found them, got the rebate and brought them home, so two more grandkids are taken care of.  I looked up my X-Rays on My Chart and read the report and summary from today’s visit.  Sue called me and talked to me for a while.  Kenzie called next and was shopping and doing some errands down by Travis’s sisters.  We talked until her phone died.

I took a short nap after that.  Bill come home and took a short nap too.  It felt good.  

I got up and packed up all the stuff that has to go back down the basement.  Organized other stuff too.  

I warmed up a plate of tater tot casserole.  Yum.  Makes a nice meal.  Bill had some leftover chicken and mashed potatoes from the party yesterday.  

I talked to Kimmy and sent her some info.  She was trying to get s better price on the stuff we got for Jacob.  The guy didn’t give her a better price but did take off the shipping.  Thanks Kimmy.

I talked with all the girls and Maddy. Maddy had a small lump taken off this morning at her skin spcialsit at the same time as my appt. I am praying for a good report.   Melissa stopped in while Jack was at fencing class. We watched the videos of Jack singing in the Golden Voice Choir.  He did a great job and they all sounded amazing. I love it when Melissa  stops over while Jack is at fencing.  When they got home, they sent me a link and Bill and I watched the whole Christmas Concert.  It was just amazing.  I will shorten a couple of my videos and post them on here later.