Thurs., 11/23/23, Happy Thanksgiving, Hailey and Evan dropped Abby off, Went to Cracker Barrel with Vikki, Rody, Peyton, Isaac and Kenzie

                          Picture Lela sent me from Georgia.....

Jared and Kimmy with their pie after cleaning up the kitchen (Kimmy sent the next two pictures to me)

Eli and his Uncle Dee wearing their pendants...Eli the question mark and Dee the exclamation point Kenzie and Travis made

Jacob practicing piano

Abby did great staying with me

Abby on my lap

Sleeping...guess she feels comfortable here

Frankenmuth Visit today

Bill and I in front of the singing Christmas tree in Frankenmuth

Skating rink

Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving with Vikki, Rody and family

Rody and Bill at Cracker  Barrel

Rody, Bill and I

Kenzie and Vikki

Isaac

Peyton

Thanked the Lord for His many blessings.  So grateful for all he has done in my life all these years, in our marriage and in our family.  He is an awesome God and Father.  

I got ready before Hailey and Evan came to drop Abby off.  It was nice seeing them for a few minutes before they left for Muskegon.  Of course I prayed for their safe trip.

I was happy to have Abby come stay.  She is a super good dog and is 14 now, so want to enjoy her when I can.  She is walking around better than I have seen her do for a long time.  She can even walk good on the hard floors.  She has been following me all over.  She can't hear anymore, but there were a couple of times she sure responded when I called her.

She would only eat her food if I poured it out of the bowl and put it on the floor.  Than she ate it all quickly.  She went to the door when she had to go outside.  She is a really good dog to doggie sit.  I was very happy to get a picture from Lela in a text of Kimmy and Jared.  Kimmy sent me a couple of pictures too.  I was happy to get to talk to her and so was Bill.

We read our Bibles, then decided to take a ride around Frankenmuth.  The parking lot at Zhender's was full, but finally found a spot someone pulled out of.  We walked through town and went through some stores that were open.  Stopped by the singing Christmas tree and ice skating rink.  Then we headed home, so I could feed Abby on time.  I told Vikki to call me if they wanted to go to Cracker Barrel with us.  She called to let me know they did and that Kenzie wanted to come too.  I was happy to hear that.  We all met at Cracker Barrel.  Rody and I got the Thanksgiving meal and everyone else got something else.  The food was really good.  We walked around and shopped and I found some things for my gift for the CMA Christmas Party.  It was nice getting to spend Thanksgiving with them.  

We came home and watched a Christmas movie called An Evergreen Christmas. 

Then I took Abby out and moved her bed into our room so she could sleep good. It was a great day with so many things I am thankful for I couldn't begin to list them all.  Thank you Lord for your goodness, mercy and grace!  

 

Wed., 11/22/23, Slept in, Kimmy and family left for Georgia for Thanksgiving with the Russell side of the family, Bill went to coffee with Charlie, I went through pictures, Vikki, Rody, Peyton and Isaac came over, Bruce and Max came over

Vikki with the mug Danyelle made her.  Below is the other side of it

 

Peyton with Josey's baby girl

Vikki, Danyelle and the baby

Isaac showing Peyton how to play the clarinet...Wyatt and Lucy listening lol.

Bill got up to go for coffee with Charlie.  I slept in til nine.  I was dreaming about Melissa and felt like I was really in a deep sleep.  I texted Kimmy right away to see how far they were.  They were in Ohio.  Jared sent me the map so I could see their journey and know where they were.  I told them it wasn't the same without mile markers.  Then they let me know what mile marker they were at.  They sure are a fun couple.  I had my oatmeal and cappuccino.  Bill got home and I asked how Charlie was.  He was kind of down because yesterday and today, they took 3.3 liters of fluid off his lungs again.  It is discouraging for him to go through.  He sure is in our prayers.  We read our Bibles. 

 I went through pictures and deleted those I didn't want or where there were two pretty much the same.  Deleted some old screen shots too.  I should do this more often to keep up on them.  Just in the nick of time, but I did our Rescue Mission Thanksgiving meal donation.

Kept track of where Kimmy and Jared were and did some texting.  

Fed the hungry birds.  The feeders were all nearly empty.  Will have to be picking up more food now.  Kit Kat followed me and than when I got in the house, I noticed her under the tree with all the feeders.  I tapped on the window and she came running.  I called her to the other door and gave her a treat to distract her from the bird watching.  I got a nice talk with Melissa in too.   

Vikki didn't have to work to day so I got a long talk with her in.  She was very happy that Danyelle and her grand baby came to spend part of the day with them.  She blessed Vikki with the cutest Grammy mug.  She also made one for Kenzie that's really cute and says Mama.  She is a really good friend to Vikki and has been for a long time.  

Rody was coming to hook up a different wifi for us.  I called Vikki and told her they could all eat spaghetti with us.  They came over and we all ate.  Bill ate early because he had to leave to train a couple of guys who want to join CMA.  Rody told Bill he should take the wifi box that he got back because it would work good like the one we have.  Rody unhooked it and I packed it in the box for Bill to take back.  Good thing we have Rody who knows about stuff like that.  After Bill left, we all sat around talking.  Bruce and Max came to get the scope.  I had to call Bill to find out where it was.  I found it and gave it to Max. Max is selling the scope and getting a different one.  They visited for a few minutes then had to leave.  Vikki, Rody and the kids left shortly after that.  Bill got home shortly after they left.   

I forgot to take pictures of the kids when they were here, but Vikki sent me a couple.  She had sent me some pictures earlier too.  

 

 

 

Tues., 11/21/23, Jared picked up piano, Melissa came over, went to prayer, Bill picked Max up and hung out with him

 

Melissa warming up by the fire

Me with Badger snuggling next to me

Set my alarm at 7:30 so I would be up when Jared came.  I packed the piano in a garbage bag and took it downstairs.  Also took the folding stool that goes with it.  Started taking the bolt out of the stand so I could fold it.  Jared came and finished taking the bolt out and brought the stand downstairs.  He put all of it in his car and then left.  Bill got up and took the garbage out.  I went back to bed til 8:30, then I got up, put Kit Kat's food outside for her, and had my morning oatmeal and cappuccino.  Made my cappuccino with chocolate truffle coffee and it was delicious.  Bill and I both read our Bibles.  

Bill went into town and got a new lights for my car.  He came home and put it in for me.  My regular lights were bad and I could hardly see to drive.  I drove with my bright lights on.

I called to set up my colonoscopy.  Not my favorite thing.  Had to research my chart to answer some of the questions they said I would have to answer when I set it up.  The girl told me I only need to drink half the stuff which is great news.  Can't get in until February.

Melissa got here just as I was finishing the call.  She brought Badger with her.  I had him do some tricks and gave him treats.  He is such a great dog.  Melissa and I hung out together and transferred Max's senior pictures onto Bill's computer so I could air drop them to Melissa's phone.  Then I sent the folder to my phone, so when it is time to run them off, I have the originals.  Rody gave Melissa the thumb drive.  We watched the home videos I watched with Kimmy and Vikki the other night.  Melissa loved seeing them too.  She stayed til about 5:30, then left.  Bill went to pick up Max.  I ate leftovers and got ready to go to prayer.  Worship and prayer were awesome.  We prayed over Cassy who is over the kids ministry of ages 4/5-12 years.  She is new at it and has such a love for the Lord and for the kids.  It was dark when I drove home and my lights worked great.  Thank you so much Bill!

Bill got home shortly after me.  He had to fill his pill boxes, then put kernels in the kernel burner, then came in and relaxed in the loveseat recliner.  I had his electric throw all heated up for him.  

Monday, 11/20/23,, Bill went to breakfast with Rich, Kenzie came over, Vikki came over, I went to Melissa's, Picked up Peyton and Isaac, met Alec and Maddy at Super Cafe

 

Didn't take any pictures today, but did save this one out of my memories that came up.  It was 12 years ago in Osceola.  Our church blessed us with a free stay at the Huron House.  It was beautiful and very relaxing.  

Bill went to breakfast with Rich.  I slept in and then got up after he was ready.  I made oatmeal and had my cappuccino.  I put worship music on and then read my Bible after that. 

Sue called to get us praying because Charlie was having his lung drained today.  He has the other one done tomorrow.  We had already been praying.  

Did some laundry.  I also put some Thanksgiving stuff away.  Going to start on Christmas decorating since we had our Thanksgiving celebration.  Will still be celebrating thankfulness for everything God has blessed us with.  That is a daily thing.  

Kenzie called me and we talked for quite a while.  She asked if she could use the shop vac to vacuum her car.  Then she came over and we got to visit more.  Her mom came over after work.  We all ate leftovers.  I packed up a plate for Kenzie to take to Travis.  She forgot to yesterday.  They left to go to Kenzie's doctor's appt.  I noticed Bill hauling the shop vac to the front of the house.  I thought about how messy she said her car was and wondered if he would still do it.  He did!  What a sweet grandpa.  

I went to visit Melissa and drop off Jack's stuff he forgot here.  I had a nice time visiting with Melissa and Max.  Then Jack came in and said hi too.  The dogs were so cute doing all of their tricks and looking for treats.  Max was laughing lots.  I stayed until my alarm went off. Then I went to pick up Peyton and Isaac from school.  We went to my house and Peyton showed me lots of things she is putting on her Christmas list.  Isaac and her had some ice cream with chocolate syrup on it.  We had to go meet Alec and Maddy at Super Cafe, so they stayed at our house until Vikki and Kenzie picked them up.  We had a good visit with Maddy and Alec and ate really good food.  We know the owners so like to go there to support their business.   Kenzie called to thank me for vacuuming her car, but I told her it was Papa and asked if she wanted to talk to him.  She did of course and thanked him lots. We saw Michael there again.  I forgot my backpack at Melissa's and was supposed to pick it up afterward, but didn't think of it until I was at home and in my PJ's.  Decided it could wait until tomorrow.  I called Melissa and we had a nice talk.  I texted with Jacob.  He sent me an amazing song he likes today.  It was so good.  

 

Sunday, 11/19/23, Went to church, Jacob came with us, Jenna got saved, Claire got baptized, Vikki, Peyton, Kimmy, Jared, Jacob, and Mykenzie had left overs with us, hunted all over for Jacob's keys, took Kimmy home,

Jacob, Rody and Isaac in the sound room at church

Kenzie and Papa

Peyton...she went to her friends for a sleep over last night and they never went to sleep.  She's a tired girl today!  She's wrapped in her burrito blanket.  I tried to take a bite but she wouldn't let me lol.

Kenzie and Peyton....Peyton's still sleeping

The wax melters Kimmy and Jared made that we all poked holes in.  We had so much fun that day and they sure turned out beautiful.

Jacob, Papa and Jared checking out how the Lions are doing

Jacob and Papa

Yay, Claire, my best friend's granddaughter, got baptized today!
Such a great decision to follow Jesus!

I woke Jacob up at 8 like he said to, but went back upstairs at 8:30 and woke him up again.  This time he really did get up lol.  He was up very late last night.  Bill and I drove the truck and Jacob drove my car to church, because we are going to Muffins with Missions after church and Jacob has to get back and do homework.  Bill and I went to prayer and Jacob went in the sound room with Rody and Isaac.  We went in to the sanctuary for church afterwards and sat with Vikki and Peyton.  Pastor gave a really good message.  We went up to pray with people afterwards.  Jenna, some friend's of ours granddaughter, who was in my Sunday School class, had quit going to church. She came up for prayer with her grandparents.  She had been making wrong choices, but repented and asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior.  Nothing better than that.  We were all in tears!

We went to Muffins for Missions after that.  A young couple from our church who are missionaries was there with their young family and shared about their ministry.  They are doing amazing things for the Lord.

We came home and Rody and Isaac were in the driveway.  I told them to come in an fix a plate before they went to Midland to take graduation pictures of someone, but they said they didn't have time.  Vikki and Peyton were already inside.  Kimmy and Jared came a little while later and were going to eat left overs and then take Jacob back to his dorm.  Kenzie came over since she couldn't make it yesterday.  We all enjoyed leftovers from yesterday.

We had fun hanging out together and watched some old videos from 2002.  Sure brought back memories.  When Kimmy and Jared were ready to leave to take Jacob back, Jacob couldn't find his keys.  Poor Jacob.  I could tell he was feeling so bad.  We were all looking everywhere, even in the same places 3 or 4 times.  We even went outside and looked by the swings where he had gone out for the Phone game to take a picture and was hanging upside down.  We checked on our phone to see what he was wearing and Kimmy said it couldn't have been out there where he lost them.  Jacob said he remembered setting them on the dresser when he put his suit on.  We never did find them.  Vikki tried to call the place where his concert was last night, but no one answered.  Finally they had to leave.  They left and a short time later, Kimmy called to see if I could take her home if Jared dropped her back off.  She had been away from the other boys all day and wanted to at least see them before they went to bed.  I was glad to take her.  We had fun visiting on the way to her house after such a stressful time hunting for keys.  I dropped her off, and saw the boys and her waving in the window when I drove out the driveway.  I honked and let her know when I was home.  

I love being able to help them.  They have helped us with so much so many times.  I love how everyone in our family loves helping each other.  We are so blessed.  I finished reading my Bible when I got home and then did my blog.  Kimmy let me know, Jacob's door to his dorm was unlocked and he got in ok when they got there.  Yay!  Another thing to be thankful for.  

 

Sat., 11/18/23, Celebrated our family Thanksgiving, went to Jacob’s Christmas Concert with the Eddy band

Mr. Turkey greeting everyone on the front porch.  The wind blew his he'd to the side and his feathers sideways.  Didn't notice til after I saw the picture or I would have straightened them

Adam and Jacob

Jared and Eli

Hailey and Adam

Jack and Melissa

Jack and Evan

Peyton and Haley

 

Bill, Eli, Jared, Hailey, Peyton and Adam all on their phones...Surprise you're on Candid Camera

Food all out on the table

Giving thanks to the Lord and Praying

Charlie and Bruce praying

Adam, Hailey, Jacob and Peyton

Being silly

                                                D.J. and Bill....Adam in. the background

Jared, Vikki and Rody....Kimmy took all the table pictures

Melissa, Bruce, Sue, Charlie, Stacie and me.  The rest of the kids were in the basement eating

Sue and Charlie.  Charlie reading his birthday card

Such a great picture of them both smiling

Charlie opening his card and soup bowl from the girls and their families.  He got a can of soup with it, some crackers and lots of Milky Way miniature candy bars

Peyton and Hailey doing a .5

Adam, Jacob, Jack and Eli...we were playing the Phone Game and each of us had to try to get the best swing picture  

Isaac and Kody

Me and Stacie

Hailey holding up Jacob's folders.  I sent him the picture to see if we had the right ones.  He needed us to bring them to have after the concert

Great picture at the concert Bill took with his camera.  We were pretty far away.

 

Jacob is third in the row on the left

Looks like Jacob is looking out at us and smiling

Jacob after the concert.  He spent the night again!  Yay!

Adam wanted me to take a picture of just him

Adam, Eli and Jacob eating cookies after the concert

Our card game....Jacob and Papa

Got up at 4:30 and made the dressing and put the turkey in the oven.  Started the ham cooking in the crockpot.  Went back to bed for a half hour, but couldn't sleep so got up.   Did the last minute stuff, then got ready.  All the kids and families came plus Charlie and Sue.  Kenzie and Travis couldn't come, but will be here tomorrow for left overs.  

We all worked together getting things done and sat on the table, then prayed and ate.  Kimmy and Vikki made me sit and visit with people while they cleaned everything up and put the food away.  They are amazing and I am thankful they have lunch lady experience because they are fast and efficient.  So kind of them to always do that for me.  I sure appreciate it.  

We had fun hanging out, playing the Phone game, some played Eucre, an some played Speed.  There were ping pong tournaments in the basement and air hockey.  Some of the kids played outside for a while.  It was a fun family day and we all have much to thank God for.  

In the evening, Kimmy, Jared, Vikki, Rody, Isaac, Bill, me and Hailey went to Jacob's Eddy Band Christmas Concert.  It was so good and the band sounded amazing.  They played wonderful Christmas music.  The kids choir from Sasa sang some songs with the band and some by themselves.  They did a great job.  Peyton's choir teacher from last year was their director.  We saw Wes and Gayla in the same row, only two aisle over, so we went to talk to them during intermission.  When I tried to go from my seat past all of our family, Jared tried to be funny and blocked me and pushed me so I ended up on Kimmy's lap, finally after a little struggle, I made it by him.  He tried the same thing on the way back past him, but I did better at getting by.  He is so funny and always fun.  We were all laughing hard at him.

When we got back to our house, we hung out a little while longer.  When everyone left we were sitting in the living room and Jacob asked if we wanted to play 3-13.  It was 11:30, but we both said yes.  Making memories is the best.  We all had fun.  I lost big time.  Bill won b 3 points.  Jacob had many more points, but he caught up and almost won the game.