Thursday, 1/1/26, Happy New Year! Watched Tournament of Roses Parade...beautiful floats and great bands! Quiet day at home, Melissa and family went to Muskegon to Bruce’s parents, Jared still sick and weak, made pancakes for lucks, warmed up left over for dinner,

Love all the flowers and cclors.  It rained during the parade, but no one seemed to carekkr

  Very relaxing day.

Vikki FaceTimed me showing me how nice her Panini Maker works for pancakes.  Bill asked me right then if I could make pancakes. Of course, they tasted so good.

The mashed potatoes with the meatballs and gravy was delicious

Happy New Year 2026!  Thankful for another year to seek the Lord and get closer to Him.  

I slept pretty good again last night.  I put on awesome worship before Bill got up and afterward, read my Bible.  I had scrambled eggs and coffee and one of Hailey’s chocolate peanut butter goodies.  Now today after those new exercises at therapy, I am able to move my operative leg so much better and quicker.  I think I will be driving soon now. Yay!  Weird how things can change so quick.  I couldn’t even see me driving yesterday.   I guess that’s why I’m going to therapy.  

I turned the Tournament of Roses Parade on at 11.  Bill got up at 10 and got ready, then came in and watched it with me.  I felt bad that it was raining for it, but the people there said it didn’t bother them at all.  The rain let up but the announcers said it was cold there.  It was still a beautiful parade to watch.  All those flowers and seeing how they make some of the floats are amazing.

I made pancakes for lunch after Bill saw Vikki’s pancakes she made.  He sure was hungry for some.  I was too.  They tasted really good.

Melissa gave me a theraband the color I need and already tied and I did my exercises again today.  I found a ball to use too so I am all set.  They wrote in my chart that I have no obstacles to stop me from reaching my goals.  God is Good!

For dinner, Bill asked me if I could make mashed potatoes.  We had some frozen Bob Evan’s mashed potatoes in the freezer.  Bill came in the living room and told me he had started them in the microwave.  Then I went and stirred them and put them in for the rest of the time.  I warmed up the meatballs and cream of chicken soup gravy too.  Yum!  That tasted so good.  We had peas with it.  I was going to warm up Vikki’s bean dip for a snack later, but fell asleep for 3 hours and didn’t have any snack.  We will finish her bean dip and salsa up tomorrow.  I was happy to hear Melissa was back from Muskegon where they went to celebrate Christmas with Bruce’s dad and that side of the family.  Melissa had texted me at 7:22 to please pray because it was snowing hard and the roads were slippery when they were heading home.  I’m glad Bill and I prayed in the morning for their safe trip and also in the evening when we ate we prayed for their safe trip home. 

I was so sound asleep and saw Bill’s sister in Kansas messaged us to pray for her great grandson Bryer when I woke up.  I started praying right away and saw Bill and the girls were praying.  He had Covid and is being sent to a children’s hospital because he has RSV now.  His mom has Covid too.  I sure am praying for both for healing in Jesus name.  Prayer is appreciated.  

I talked to Melissa after I woke up and was happy to know they were home safely and also happy to hear about their fun time there.  No so exciting to hear of their scary first part of their trip home.  So thankful for God watching over them.

Yay, Kenzie wants to come over tomorrow and is bringing stuff to make cream of Broccoli soup for us.  Vikki is coming too.  It will be a fun day and I can’t wait to see them and Rehvyn.  

Hope I can sleep after that long 3 hour deep sleep.  

 

Wednesday, 12/31/25, made food for party, Bill picked up body wash for me, took nap, went to Vikki & Rody’s New Year’s Eve Party, Kimmy and family couldn’t come because Jared and Eli were sick

Made meatballs

Made chocolate covered strawberries 

Made celery with peanut butter 

Made celery with cream cheese

Jacob made chocolate chip cookies with the hand mixer we got him

               They sure do look delicious.

I took my favorite slippers from Kimmy and family to Vikki’s 

Peyton, Regan and Ava playing bingo

Jack

Rody and Jack

Vikki had this cute basket filled with candy for those who won at Bingo

Melissa and Bill

Regan after she won!

Melissa got her Squishmallow tonight!  I’m giving Kimmy hers next time I see her!

Melissa, Lucy and Bruce

Rody and Bruce

Jack and Papa Bill

Peyton read the cards off when we played our game.  Rody in the chair by her.  We had a lot of laughs while we played.  

Beautiful Peyton

Melissa, Ava and Regan while we played our guessing game

Ava, Regan and Peyton

Adam, Kimmy, Jacob, Eli and Jared...we sure missed them but enjoyed FaceTiming them lots. Sure am praying for our Jared to feel better soon.  

Peyton

Bruce, Jordan, Isaac and Max

Isaac and Jordan

Jack and Lucy

The girls toasting with their sparkling juice

Vikki, Me and Melissa toasting

Melissa and Bruce toasting

Slept much better last night.  Only woke up twice before 5 a.m.  Made my coffee and then went in and played worship music.  Read my Bible afterward.  Bill got up and got ready and then came in and read his Bible 

I started making meatballs and other things for the party tonight.  Got strawberries at Meijer for 99 cents so made chocolate covered strawberries.  

The glue is coming off of my incision so it’s looking much better.  Bill went to Walgreens and brought me some dial liquid so I can keep it clean.  

We went to Vikki’s for the party at 6.  We ate when we got there.  Vikki made Bruce’s bean dip and yummy sausages.  She also made a delicious plate of crackers and different cheeses.  I brought the leftover hickory stick I froze from Christmas Eve morning.  Melissa and family came right after we started eating.  Peyton had Regen and Ava over.  Isaac had Jorden over.  

After we ate we played bingo.  We had so much fun.  I had a bad card so Bill traded me cards.  I won two rounds later.  Then I won the last number rolled in the cover all and so did Regen.  Vikki had great candy for prizes. We all sure had fun.  We played a game with Peyton and her friends after that.  It was lots of fun even though I wasn’t so good at it.  The girls sure were fast at it. 

We got ready to watch the ball drop after that.  They were a minute late, but we did the countdown with them and then drank our sparkling juice and toasted and wished everyone a Happy New Year.  We FaceTimed Kimmy and family and told them Happy New Year.  

Bill had the jeep warming up by that time and he hauled everything out to the Jeep, then came back to walk me to the Jeep.  It was such a fun night with such good food and wonderful people to hang out with.  I came home and finished my blog.  Then eat 1:50 a.m. I went to bed.  

Tues., 12/30/25, very cold windy day again, went to therapy, went to Chick-fil-A, went to Matthew’s, went to Jeff and Debbie's

Bill and I at Chick-fil-A 

We took Matthew his Christmas gift tonight.  I didn’t arrive until a few days after Christmas

Debbie wanted a picture with us

 Woke up lots last night again.  I used my electric throw the whole night and had it on because it was so cool from that wind blowing outside.  I got up at 7 and went upstairs and did my hair.  I put worship music on while I was upstairs.  Bill was up by the time I came downstairs.  Bill took the garbage out. Felt bad he had to be out in the cold and wind.  I put some nice and warm clothes on even for inside.  When he got in the house, we read our Bibles, did devotions, and prayer books.  We both read up on the travel printer Bill got me for Christmas.   I charged it.

We went to my therapy session at 1:30. I had Shannon.  She was nice but she really worked me.  I rode the bike for the first time for 5 minutes, did my regular home therapy, did the ball squeeze between my knees, had my knees tied with a theraband and had to see how far could push them apart.  She had me lay on my stomach and side on the Mat. Then she stretched my legs to see how far I could move them.  She lifted my operative leg as high as she could which was straight up.  It didn’t hurt at least.  I also had to do leg stretches in the cage.  I was ready for a nice rest after all that.  I go back in one week, then will go twice a week after that. 

We went to Hobby Lobby to see if we could find an ornament box on sale but there’s were gone.  Then went to Big Lots next door and they were out of business.  We went to Chick-Fil-A and used gift cards Bill had to buy our food and yummy shakes.  I had a peppermint shake and he had plain vanilla.  We talked to Michael who was working and came to help us.  He was quick to smile and say hi Miss Penny.  He was in my K-1 Sunday School class for 2 years.  We always love it when we see each other.  He was a great kid and grew into a great adult.  He works here while he’s going to college.  

We went to Meijer to get the groceries I need to make my stuff to take to Vikki’s for New Year’s Eve.  We were also looking for vanilla bean paste.  I have never heard of it, but it’s in Hailey’s recipe for cinnamon rolls.  I asked and got the right aisle, but no paste.  I only found a spice jar with vanilla bean sticks.  I tried to call Hailey, but she didn’t answer.  I got them so if she makes her own paste I will be able to.

We came home and Bill brought in the groceries and I put them away.  We rested for a while, then we went to visit Matthew and took him his Christmas gift that came late.  He was so happy and really liked it.  We visited in the foyer, then the living room.  Debbie was having a fish fry party and had lots of friends and our cousins Debbie and Sonny were there too.  She offered food to us there and then to take home, but we were full.  We took some pictures and then we left to go visit our friends from church, Jeff and Debbie a couple of blocks away.  Debbie is the one who had knee surgery 5 days after my surgeries.  I took her some strawberries from Meijer’s that are 99 cents today.  We sat in the living room and visited for 2 1/2 hours, then we prayed for the last 20 minutes.  It was such a special night visiting our sweet nephew, Bill’s sister and our great friends. Kimmy called while we were at Debbie and Jeff’s to let me know they wouldn’t be coming to Vikki’s New Years Eve party because Jared and Eli had fevers now.  I sure am praying for them.  We will sure miss them.  I was happy when she said we were going to have a celebration night where we still get together and play Bingo.  That makes it a little bit better, but sure won’t be the same without them tomorrow night.  I called her back on our way home.  It had snowed about an inch and traffic was moving slow.  I was glad when we got home safe and sound.  

I worked on my blog and then was ready to go to sleep. 

Monday, 12/29/25, very windy outside, snowing too, fed Kit Kat, Bill carried the outside nativity pieces upstairs, Ipacked the outside nativity away, did my exercises,

I put food out for Kit Kat.  There was snow all over the deck by her food dish, so I took it slow and easy, hanging on to the door.  I prayed first for God to help me not to fall.  Afterwards, I put good worship music on after I woke up.  Spent time just thinking about the Lord and worshipping Him for who He is and His great mercy and forgiveness.  I love worship and it makes such a difference in my day.  

I took a shower, then went in the living room and read my Bible while Bill read his.  I read my three chapters in Ezekiel and then read one in Ecclesiastes.  Pastor said we should read it since that’s what he preached on on Sunday.  His message was so good.  

Bill carried all of the outside nativity pieces upstairs for me.  I sure am glad he brought them in last night.  They would have been blown all over the place with the high winds we had.

After I did my exercises for my therapy, I went upstairs and put all the nativity pieces in their boxes in the attic.  We have a lot of pieces, so it was a job I was glad to get done.  I walked up the stairs twice and did all the steps going up the right way.  It is still hard going upstairs, but easy going down. 

I talked to Kimmy.  Jared went on the awful roads and took the van in.  They can’t do it until Wednesday.  I sure will be glad when it is fixed.  Kimmy and Jared are sure still selling lots of pottery.  They get such great reviews.  I love reading them everyday. 

I took a short nap after that.  My electric throw sure felt good today.  Kenzie wants to come on Friday and Make Broccoli cheese soup for all of us in the crockpot.  I can’t wait to try it. 

She FaceTimed me and I sure loved talking to her and Rehvyn and seeing them.  So much fun to do.  

I had one of my Christmas cookies and one of Hailey’s.   I also had some of Bruce and Melissa yummy rock candy.  It sure is hard with all these yummy sweets around.  I’m trying not to overdo.  

I made sirloin steak, baked potatoes and peas for dinner.  The steak turned out so tender and delicious in my new Ninja pan.  Bill has taken such good care of me when I needed him to do so much and it sure has carried over.  He is always asking me if I want him to bring me something or do something.  It’s just so nice and it makes me want to do the same for him.

Made sirloin steak, baked potato and peas for dinner

In the evening, we watched a movie called Tyler’s Run.  It was about a 15 year old son in the show who had autism and wanted to run in a marathon.  It had some tense moments, but he ran in the race and came from behind and won it.  It was a great story.  There were some kids very mean to him when he went from being homeschooled to going to a public school, but there were kids who were so nice to him.  Pretty clear who kids should choose to be like and what makes a difference in someone’s life.  

I am excited to go to therapy tomorrow.  Hope we have clear roads and the wind dies down. 

Bill is taking me.  

 

Sunday, 12/28/25, Our road was very icy this morning, Went to both church services today, brought in nativity pieces from outside, used e gg thing from Kenzie again, watched last years Christmas dvd’s, prayed while Chimmy and Jared drove home from Indiana very slowly and in the rain, So happy when they made it home

 

Kimmy and Melissa’s squish mallows came today

This beautiful cardinal kept coming to the window feeders today

We got ready and left for church.  We slid as soon as we got out on our road.  We took it nice and slow.  The church services were both great with awesome worship and a great message. We prayed for people after each service.  There weren’t many at the first service.  Icy roads probably kept people home.  There were more at the second service.  It was nice being able to talk to people from both services.  

We came home and I ate a hot turkey sandwich.  Bill wasn’t hungry yet.  I watched last years DVD’s of our family Christmas.  Just found them in the camera case on Christmas Eve  so I finalized them and now could watch them.  So much fun watching them and so many fun memories.  Bill took a nap while I did that.  

I made scrambled eggs with potatoes (and cheese for me) in the microwave egg maker Kenzie got me for Christmas.  I love how easy it is and how good they are.

I kept in touch with Kimmy on her way home.  I sure was praying.  What a long scary trip home in the rain with suspension problems on their van.  I was so happy when they got home.  I talked to her for a while after she got home.  Sorry to hear Jared and Eli aren’t feeling well.  Praying for quick healing and that no one else gets it.  Kimmy loved working at the soup kitchen.  

I did my exercises and made it all the way upstairs walking the right way.  Yay!  So thankful!  I had a few people who had hip surgery a few weeks before me talk to me at church and tell me how much faster I’m doing things than they did. They are doing good now though.  I am thankful for God answering prayers.  I do my part by doing the exercises, but the healing comes from the Lord.

We tried watching a few Christmas movies, but didn’t like them so turned them off.  I made a ham sandwich and Bill ate some peanut brittle. I’m trying to clean up left overs.  He’s sick of left overs.  We aren’t alike in that department.

I talked to Melissa and also Vikki.  Vikki’s word for the year this year is Perseverance.  God spoke to her through His Word when they did their Bible reading tonight and read James.  I love it when God does that.  

 

Saturday, 12/27/25, Bill gave me a gift he forgot was in the attic, everything was icy outside again, Vikki and Peyton can over for Christmas left overs, Bill and I went to The Home Store and to Macsoods, watched a movie in the evening,

More ice on the deck than yesterday.  Kit Kat wants in!!!

We are supposed to have warmer temperatures today though

This beautiful cardinal was here most of the day and even ate out of the window feeders 

Pictures Vikki went outside and took while she was here today

This is at my friend Amy’s in Midland.  Branches are falling by her house.

Bill had got me this bedspread for Christmas and had it wrapped in the attic.  He forgot it until today.  It is so pretty and so soft.  We went and got the three pillows for on it today.

I slept better last night.  Only got up 3 times.  Pretty much went right back to sleep.  Got up at 8:30.  Made a coffee and had one of Hailey’s yummy cookies.  Today I could go up the 14 stairs the right way all but the last 4.  I tuckered out by then and did them one step at a time.  Tomorrow I should be able to do all of them.  Bill got up around 9.  He had to run to Field and Stream.  I put worship music on and worshipped, then I read my Bible.  I talked to Vikki and she and Peyton are coming over for left overs later.  Bill got home and Vikki got here at the same time.  I was sleeping with my Bible open.  I only had one more chapter to go out of 3.  We visited for a while.  Peyton wanted to watch Charlotte’s Web so she got the DVD out.  The TV in the family room worked great and so did the DVD player.  We  got the food out at 12:30 and ate.  We were all stuffed afterwards.  Vikki and I sat in the family room with Peyton.  We decided to take a short nap.  It felt good.  Just what I needed so I can stay awake the rest of the day.  Vikki and Peyton had to leave.  They were taking back her Owala because it’s not a sturdy one like she likes.  Bill and I went to the Home Good’s store and found three pillows for the bed we really liked.  It was fun walking through the store.  We went to MacSoods afterwards and looked at their gas fireplace inserts.  We found one we really like that gets nice and warm and works even if the electricity is off.  We will get it later, but know it is going to be much easier.  Here’s a picture of the one we liked.

Bill and I watched a movie about the real meaning of Christmas.  It was so good.  We had some yummy snacks while we watched it.  I finalized my Christmas DVD’s from this year and last.  Bill read his Bible.  

Today Kimmy texted and said no one could do it there until Tuesday, so they are coming home tomorrow and driving slowly on their way home.  I am praying now and will continue that they make it safe and the van holds up.