At The Farm

Today I went to visit some friends on their farm. Amy had invited me but my timing wasn't so good. Everyone was gone except Libby. She showed me around and was a fine hostess!

It's about time to gather the eggs!

Brown chickens produce brown eggs!

Libby letting one of the goats suck on her finger! They had 12 kids born recently to their goats. Kids are usually very friskly but I guess I didn't go at the right time. It was the middle of the afternoon. If I go again I'll go earlier while they still have their energy.

Nap time!

These two kids like to walk and lay on top of their mother! She's so patient she lets them!

They are so cute!

Lord, You are the creative Creator! Thank You for animals for us to enjoy and also to use for food, milk, etc.

Flowers

Today was an interesting day. My friend, Amy, put on her blog about a shop that would trade used vases for flowers! She made the trade and I decided to do the same. Here is the beautiful bouquet I was given!

The Easter Lily is from a store where I almost got into trouble! I needed a picture of an Easter Lily for the newsletter I write. I decided to go to store where I usually shop and just take a picture of them. I took one shot and was almost ready to take a second one when a woman came to me and smiled. Then she said, "You're only taking this picture because you love the beauty of the flowers, right?" "Oh yes," I answered. Then she explained they have a policy of no photos taken in the store! I didn't know that. I explained about the newsletter and she said it's alright this time since she knows I'm only taking them because I love them. So here are my beautiful Easter Lilies!
Lord, thank You for the flowers. They are so beautiful! I praise You because You are the Creator. Thank You for helping me to not get into trouble, too!

Brahms Requiem

Today I went to a concert at St Vincent De Paul Church in Bay City. Brahms Requiem was presented by SVSU. My friend, Tadd, was the guest bass soloist. It was a thrill for me to be there. Tadd and his dad, Ward. Ward was our pastor many years ago, in fact it was when Tadd was just a little boy! He and Tim (my son) loved to play together!

Dr. Theodore ..., my friend!

Heavenly Father, thank You for good friends. Thank You for Tadd and Ward, and for their whole family. Good friends are a blessing from You. Thank You for allowing me to go to this concert today.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Richard and Cookie! The years keep rolling by! Thirty-three years! Am I right? I think I am. This picture is about five years old, but I think it's a pretty good and accurate likeness of you both. Did you go out to eat? Or go somewhere to celebrate? I wish we lived closer so we could keep closer tabs on each other. I love you both.

Lord, thank You for Richard and Cookie. Please bless their marriage. I love them and You love them even more.

New Bikes!

Money has been saved for new bikes and today was the day! Our driveway is good for learning so the whole family came over on their bikes. What fun!

Armon on his new blue bike! Just look at that smile!!!

Elmise is very excited too with her new pink bike! What fun!!!

Thank You, Lord, for new bikes, fun, grandchildren, health, love.

Play Time at Grandma Archer's

I picked the kids up from school and kept them until Rob picked them up. They were here for a very active hour! They're not quite ready for two wheeled bikes (we do have some) but the old tricycle is just the right size for now. It belonged to Jerry's mother for her day care and that was a very long time ago. So it's old and it sure has seen lots of kids ride it! Elmise is a good rope jumper! After playing outside for a while we came in and had ice cream cones!
Lord, thank You for good health and lots of energy! Thank You for these precious grandchildren.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Mother! You don't look 96! This picture is only a few months old, and I don't think you've changed too much since then. I had hoped to be with you today but it just didn't work out. I'll come soon though. I hope you have a wonderful day today! You've lived a good long life. You've been a good mother to me and to my siblings. You were a good wife to Dad. He was who he was because of you! I love you, Mother. Have a wonderful day today!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Mother. You have given her a good long life. But life was not always easy...but the faith Mother had in you was so strong. If she ever doubted You I, as a child, was not aware of it. Please bless her now with Your Presence. I love her so much...and You love her even more!

Journal

It's been a while since I've written. I've been sick and am now feeling better.
I'm trying to get caught up with my house work and laundry. What a job that is. Life just keep going on, even when I'm sick.
This afternoon I visited with an interesting new friend. It's fun to look at life through some one else's experiences.
I'm going to be using another new friend to help me out with some of my monthy work. This will relieve me and help me out. She'll be helping me with the Prime Time News calendar. She came to me and asked how she could help!
Last evening we had a special evening at church with a young pastor (former pastor's son, Steve). He was very interesting and is an excellent speaker. Our local church is partnering with a new church in Napal! Steve came to give us a report, we all left humbled and excited.
I've got flowers coming up! Today was a lovely spring day! I've got to change my picture on my blog, so I'm looking for just the right picture! I'll find it soon.
Tomorrow is my mother's birthday! I had hoped to be with her for it but now have to wait a few more weeks. I'm not sure yet when I'm going...I just know I'm going.
Lord, thank You for caring for us. Thank You for Your Healing Touch. Thank You for the amazing growth of the church in Napal. Please be with Mother. Bless her with Your Presence.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday, Pam! You were my first born and you were so beautiful and sweet! Life goes on...soon your oldest son will be getting married and we'll welcome a sweet new bride to the family!
Here you are working on a project. You've always got a project going for someone. It's a gift that you didn't get from me. I think you got it from both of your grandmothers!
Today you're on a cruise, a surprise gift from Gene, my wonderful son-in-law! I hope the weather is good and that you have a super day today and the rest of the cruise and trip. I love you very much.

Lord, thank You for Pam. She's a wonderful person, daughter, mother, sister, wife, friend. Please bless her with Your Presence. I love her and You love her even more!

Journal

Things are kind of tough here right now. I've been sick for too long. I've been to the doctor twice. The first time to try and get over this before it got so bad. The second time because I was coughing sooo bad and not getting better. I want to make sure I can go to church on Sunday...Elmise and Armon are being dedicated to the Lord on Sunday and I don't want to miss it.

Well, here it is Sunday morning and I'm at home, Jerry went to church without me again. I don't think I've never been so sick in all my life. I'm missing the dedication service... Jerry will tell me all about it when he comes home.

Lord, I praise You because You are my Healer. I don't understand this but I know You are In Control. Please touch me and bring healing to my body. I love You.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Marion! I remembered! The years just keep going by. I really think we should get together once in a while, but we both seem to be so busy. We say hello at church and know that the telephone is always handy but still we don't connect very often. We should meet for breakfast or supper once in a while. Yes, we should, I'll call you. That's a promise! I wish for you a very happy birthday!

Heavenly Father, thank You for sisters-in-law! Thank You for Marion. Life is not easy, especially as a widow. Please watch over her, keep her safe, keep her well, keep her close to You. Bless her with Your Presence.

Journal

Tuesday of this week my throat began to feel scratchy. Wednesday I knew: I was getting sick. Friday I called the doctor and got in! I didn't get to see my own doctor but I needed to get on some good medicine to get over this. I'm coughing really bad. So now it's Sunday morning and I'm still sick. Hopefully by the time the medicine is gone I'll be better.

Friday night I was awake all night! I mean all night! I was wide awake! I prayed. I thought thoughts. I watched TV. I twisted and turned. I prayed. Some time between 6:00 and 6:30 AM I fell asleep and slept until a little after 8:00 AM! I'm assuming it was the medicine the doctor prescribed that kept me awake. I'm taking it now in the mornings. Last night I slept pretty good!


Our neighbors are gone. The moving van came yesterday, Saturday. Then after cleaning through the house they left. They gave the last of their refrigerator food to us: 10 eggs, lunch meat & cheese slices, etc. Jerry put their last trash in our trash can so it wouldn't be left for the new people to deal with. So many last minute details to take care of. I felt so bad I couldn't help them out any. I could have helped her clean or fixed lunch for them, but I was too sick. I'm so glad we had them over for supper on Monday evening before I got sick! I watched from my chair in the loft as they drove out for the last time...they sat in the driveway for a few minutes, probably saying their last goodbye. They had lived there for about 20 years! I'm really going to miss them.

Last night, still sitting in my chair in the loft, I saw headlights come in the driveway to the house behind us! I think it was probably the new people! They are a young couple and probably so excited! I haven't met them yet. An hour and a half or two hours later I saw them drive back out. I wonder when they'll be moving in...

Well, my question is answered! Our new neighbors are moving in as I write this!

I think I'd better stop writing now and rest.

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are our Healer. Please touch my body. Please help Jerry not to get sick. He's been taking very good care of me. Please be with our old neighbors and our new neighbors. Help them to see Christ in me.

Happy Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday, Lorraine! I remembered last night, in the night, that I forgot to post a blog on your birthday! I'm so sorry. We both know I didn't forget you on your birthday, Feb. 15, I just forgot to put it on here. You are my most favorite sister! I have (we both have) sweet memories of our childhood, playing house, playing paper dolls, and playing school together. Then we grew up and lived so far apart we seldom saw each other. Now, we're both older, and with Mother and Dad aging, and Dad leaving us, we've now seen each other several times a year for several years, even though we still live far, far apart! But we've always had that sweet sister bond. I love you, Lorraine. Have a wonderful day today!

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are the Creator. You created families...sisters. Thank You for Lorraine. Please be with her, watch over her, guide her, bless her with Your Presence. I love Lorraine and You love her even more!

A Special Table for Special Friends

Last evening we had company for dinner. We had invited our neighbors from behind us because they're moving Saturday. We're very sad to lose them. They're wonderful neighbors and friends. I prepared one of our favorite dinners: Country fried steak baked in the oven in gravy with potatoes, carrots, and onions; corn; tossed salad; biscuits; and pecan pie. I set the table with my mother's best set of English China. This is only the second time I've used this China. (Click on the picture to see it up close.) My dad bought it for my mom on one of his trips to Canada back in the very early 50's. When they downsized to move into assisted living they gave it to me. I love it and treasure it. Our neighbor's felt honored when I told them about the dishes. We had a wonderful evening with them. You can see my mother's Singer sewing machine in the background.
Thank You, Lord, for Larry and Patricia. Thank You for our privelege of knowing them. Please help them in this big move they're making.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Sean! Today is almost over. I hope it's been a great day for you. I know your family came from Atlanta to help you celebrate. So with your own family you had a house full! I think I heard the weather has warmed up, I hope. I wonder if you cooked out on the grill. We're so far away I don't know a lot. I know you're very busy providing for your family. With five children life is never dull... I wish you a very happy birthday, Sean.

Lord, thank You for Sean. Please be with him as a husband and father, such an awesome responsibility. Help him to look You for strength. Please guide him and watch over him. I love him as his mother-in-law and You love him even more.

Fun With Elmise

Elmise came to visit so we made cupcakes. I took a picture of her breaking an egg. Then one of her frosting the cupcakes. Jessica says she loves to help with cooking at home. She's going to be a really good cook someday. I love her pink hat! I guess it was an award because she stayed in her bed all night! (Sorry, I do the pictures backwards every time.)
Lord, thank You for Elmise. Thank You for the fun we had.

Journal

Here I am again. So many thoughts are going through my head. I've had big computer problems but hopefully they are all solved now. In the process I've lost a few things, not many, but some important ones, like "the Bible on one page." If any of my readers have that site, could you and would you, please send it to me? I loved that and used it all the time.

The bodies of the three people from our church, Free Methodist, who lost their lives in the earthquake in Haiti have been found, on Tuesday of this week! Two of them were from Michigan and were friends of ours. It's so sad but yet now there will be closure for friends and especially their families. Pray for their wives and children and grandchildren.
We have heard there is a spiritual awakening and revival in Haiti since the earthquake! Let's hope and pray it won't take an earthquake or other calamity to wake up the U.S.A.

Our neighbors behind us are moving, yet this month. We'll really miss them, they've been very good neighbors. We're going to have them over for dinner soon. We've benefitted from their clearing out of stuff! In the spring we'll be redoing our flower bed beside the house...some cherubs will appear and other good stuff! They'll be good reminders of our friends, Larry and Patricia.

Our nephew and niece, Roger and Marie, went to Florida. While gone a son discovered a water leak in their house! Not just a dripping but a broken pipe flooding their house! Roger and Marie hurried back to Michigan and are living in Hampton Inn while their house is being almost gutted and repaired!

Lord, life is good but sometimes life is hard. Thank You for Your Ever Abiding Presence. Thank You for Jesus. Please be with our grieving friends, Dorothy and Dolly. Comfort them. Be with Roger and Marie, as they deal with this devastating hardship in their home. Help us all to "Cast our cares on You because You care for us."

Fun with Armon

Armon came to visit this morning, I invited him. We took Plaid for a walk first, then we read a book, and last, we made valentine cookies! He's a good boy, but with a short attention span!

He's rolling out the cookie dough. I had already mixed it.

He's sprinkling red decorator sugar on each cookie before we bake them. They turned out very good! He took a plate of them home to his family.

Lord, thank You for Armon. He's such a sweet boy. Please help him with his attention span and with all the adjustments he's having to make. Please keep Your Hands upon him. Be with Rob and Jessica as his new parents, give them wisdom and patience and love.

Birthday party

Yesterday evening was the birthday party for Elmise. Here's the butterfly cake she wanted. It's not the best but she thought it was beautiful! I took pictures with the candles in it but I had the wrong setting and got a video of her blowing the candles out! (Now I have to read the book to see what to do with it!)

Elmise opening a gift!

We've been giving each grandchild one dollar for each year, so here she has opened our card and found the eight one dollar bills. We cut it off at age 20! (With 15 grandchildren, it was a decision we made and have stuck with it.)

Rob & Jessica gave her this new aquarium. Rob took her shopping for fish after everyone went home. They are studying fish and have an aquarium at school so this was a good idea for her.

Thank You, Lord, for birthdays, for kids, for friends.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Elmise! You're eight years old today! This is an exciting day for you. Your family is very excited and two of your new friends are coming over to celebrate with you. Your papa hid a present for you over here at my house! And you got your ears pierced as an early birthday present! You are such a beautiful little girl! We're so happy to have you in our family! I love you! Have a super, great, wonderful, exciting day today!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Elmise. She's such a sweet girl. Thank You for placing her in our family. Please keep Your Hand upon her as she grows up. She has so much to learn about the American culture. Thank You for the plan that You have for her life. I love her and You love her even more!

Winter Decorations

When the Christmas decorations came down at our church, our pastor asked for some winter decorations. My friend, Judy, does an excellent job decorating. It's a lot of work and expense and also one of little recognition. She has exquisite taste and we are so fortunate to have her.
Thank You, Lord, for Judy and for her love of decorating and her talent for making drab walls take on new meaning and life!

Baking a Cake

Thursday will be Elmise's birthday so today I was going to bake her cake. She wanted to help and she was a good helper. (Sorry the pictures are in backwards.) We both laughed and laughed when she broke the eggs! Tomorrow the plan is to decorate it, I'll do that. Thursday it will be eaten at her little party. I think two friends are coming. She has ordered a butterfly cake! I don't think she realizes what she ordered or what it will look like when it's done. I'm having as much fun teaching the kids new things occasionally, as they are learning new things.
Lord, help us to not take discovering new things for granted. Help us to enjoy the mystery of learning.

Company

We love it when our grandchildren come to visit. Any and all of our 15 grandchildren. Lately it's mainly Elmise and Armon who come over and we love it.
However, we had one unfortunate visit! Saturday afternoon the two of them came knocking at our door, all smiles! We invited them in and they soon asked if I had popsicles. We picked out purple ones and they were enjoying them when the phone rang...
It was first Haleigh, and then Mama (Jessica) in a very anxious voice asking if I had a couple of children at my house! Yes, I did! Oh, oh.
They had just decided, on their own, to come visiting! They hadn't asked or even told anyone they were coming. Mama was not happy. I took the popsicles back, we put their coats and boots back on, and I sent them home. I watched to make sure they made it safely.
Yesterday they came again, this time with Papa (Rob). They asked if they could have their popsicles back...yes, of course. They were very happy and excited.
Elmise and Armon love Grandpa Archer! Armon is trying to make a face. It's not too bad. They love to tease!
Thank You, Lord, for Elmise and Armon! Thank You for helping them make adjustments to our culture.

Journal

It's Monday morning and I'm thinking I'm just going to take today off... Let me write about my weekend...it was all good, but it was extremely busy.
Friday I got up at 5:00 AM, took a quick shower, and was at the church parking lot by 5:47. Donna and Linda arrived a few minutes later. (I was so glad I was the first one there:)) We were at Dianne's apartment just a little after 6:00 to pick up Dianne and Francine. Another friend, Rose, wasn't feeling well so didn't go. I drove because I had the biggest car. We drove to Detroit so Dianne could be sworn in as a US citizen. It was such a fun and interesting day! After the swearing in ceremony we went to Bahama Breeze for a fabulous dinner! I had Mahi Mahi...delicious!

Friday evening was the last supper, a chili supper and the last fund raiser for Rob & Jessica raising funds for their adoption of Armon and Elmise. Jerry made a crock pot of chili to take. It was amazing, approximately 300 people came out! They took in over $3,400! Everyone was so excited to see Elmise and Armon, who were simply playing games with the rest of the kids and having a fun time.

Saturday: Jerry and I went to the memorial service for Merle West and Gene DuFour, a little over an hour away. They were the two men who went to Haiti to work for two weeks and arrived at the guest house about 45 minutes before the earth quake. They were killed, along with a missionary. Their bodies haven't been recovered yet. We're all praying that they find them soon because their wives can't do anything without death certificates and they won't be issued until there is some kind of proof. Please join us in prayer for this. It's sad enough losing them. The service for them on Saturday was excellent. It was a joint service for the two men. There were about 400 people there.

Sunday: we went to church here to a wonderful worship service. Keith had just returned from Haiti and gave us an up to date report... Pastor Dave brought an inspiring sermon as always. He's the best preacher I've ever heard and we feel blessed to have him as our senior pastor!
After church Ramses and Sherry came to our house for dinner! Ramses has been a friend, and son, since he was just a teenager. He's originally from Haiti. We had a great visit with them.
Sunday evening we went back to church for a communion service. It was a very good service and very special. I felt the Lord's presence among us!
Afterward we had an anniversary party for our church because on Jan 28 we had been worshipping in this building for 40 years!

Okay, there is a rundown on the weekend. However, in between these major happening I was working on finishing the newsletter and getting it printed out. I sent the e-mail list about 1:00 AM Sunday and actually printed it out Sunday morning before we left for church!
I was asked to bake a cake for the anniversary party so I made the cake in the shape of our church building. I worked on it in between everything else. I still had to put on the finishing touches after Ramses and Sherry left. Jerry made the spire for it, and encouraged and supported me, as he always does.

So, there you have it. I think I'm going to do nothing today! Oh, I know that's not true.

Heavenly Father: I praise You and I love You. Thank You for keeping us safe with all the driving we did Friday and Saturday. Thank You for friends. Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus and for the hope that we'll see Merle and Gene again...some day.

Cake

We've been worshipping in our present building now for 40 years! Our pastor decided to have a party and I was asked if I'd bake a cake... I decided to go all out. I made our church! It turned out pretty good. It's not exactly like this but it's close. You can't really see but maybe by clicking on the picture you can see the stained glass windows They are on both sides of the rock panels and up around the top part that the spire is on.
Lord thank You for our church. The pastor said it right, "I love this building but it's not the church, the people are...we use the building to meet in." Thank You for this wonderful building and for our church.

2nd Trip to Detroit

My friends and I went to Detroit again...this time for Dianne to be sworn in as a citizen of the USA. She was born and raised near London, Ont. Canada. We had a great day!

My four friends: Donna, Linda, Francine, and Dianne. Our friend, Rose, wasn't feeling well so she stayed home. We missed her.


Dianne, rode in front and was my excellent navigator!

Francine, Linda, and Donna. I drove.

Dianne being sworn in!

Color guard.

Dianne saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dianne reading her citizen certificate.

Here she holding it up so we can read it. She's very proud! She has a right to be proud.
Lord, thank You for this great country and for good friends we can share experiences with. Thank You for Dianne, Donna, Rose, Linda, & Francine.

The Last 'Chili' Supper

Last evening was the 'Last Supper for the Archer Adoption' and was so well attended, it was amazing! I'm guessing 300 folks! Others said the same amount. It was impossible to get a count! But there were still folks we didn't see, some who had said they would be there, but for one reason or another didn't show up. It was a great time!

Connie, how many bowls of chili did you eat? It was very good!

Armon joined some kids playing a game in the south fellowship hall.

These good looking young men are all members of a Northwood University fraternity! They were the only folks dressed up and, boy, did they look good!

A small portion of the line waiting for food. The line went clear down the hall, through the double doors, and beyond! It moved fast though!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful evening yesterday. The folks who turned out were amazing! Thank You for the reason for the supper. Thank You for the way folks have rallied for Rob and Jessica, Armon and Elmise.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Megan! You're a pretty 14 year old teen ager! It was fun visiting you and your family a couple months ago. I wish we didn't live so far from each other, I'm missing so much of your growing up years. I'm very proud of you. You're a good big sister to Maddie...and to your brothers. I know Max is older. You're a good sister to Max.
Lord, thank You for Megan. She's at a very critical age. Please keep Your Hands upon her as she grows up. I love her so much and You love her even more.

A Special Treat

Today we were treated to lunch at the Playroom MacDonalds with our grandchildren, Elmise and Armon, and our children, Rob & Jessica! I took my camera thinking I'd get some good pictures of the kids playing on the creative play equipment. Wrong! It was too overwhelming. The place became packed shortly after we arrived. Kids and noise and running around. Elmise and Armon never left our table!

Rob bought a new van for the family! They needed a bigger vehicle with their expanded family! 2008 Chevrolet Highlander. So they came to take us for a ride and then we ended up at MacDonalds. This is Elmise sitting in her booster seat. She has a tooth so ready to fall out!

Armon in his booster seat! They are such bright and loving children, like all my grandchildren!

Jessica and Elmise sat in the back seats, Armon and I in the middle, Jerry and Rob in the front.
Oh yes, Rob has a new job starting in February!

Here we are in MacDonalds. I should have had my camera on a different setting. This is too light. Armon, Jessica, Jerry, Rob, and Elmise. It looks like the kids don't have much to eat...I moved their bags off the table so I could get a good picture...and then had the wrong setting. ;(

Lord, I love You. Life is such an adventure. I praise You.