9/14/25

 

Dear Family,

 

I enjoyed phone conversations the most this week.  One day I called Adriel and she didn’t answer.  I then called Seth because if I can get them both on the phone that can result in a fun conversation.  Seth was, “In the middle of something.”  When I alluded that a lot had happened since our last talk he just said, “Um, I don’t think I can do two things at once so, sorry, I’m going to go.”  Adriel then called back.  She was in the middle of planning a BBQ, working from home, talking to me and several other people.  She eventually did hang up after some pleasantries.  I had to laugh because both of my children are and have been so, so different all their lives.  How fun.

Tuesday night youth group had a BBQ for the middle schoolers and Wednesday night for the High School group.  It was amazing food, great fun and “The game of things”.  I love that game!  One question said, “Things that take too much time. . . “ Answers included, “Talking with Bobby, deportation, training a spouse,” I am NOT saying any of those are true but I am saying there was a lot of shock and laughter.  Another was, “Things I have too much of,” Answers ranged from, “Opinions, to clothes.”  We were supposed to guess who said clothes and a boy pointed to the girls, “One of their kind.” Was his guess.  Another was, too much, “Rizz”  When people guessed a certain person he said, “Not me (I didn’t write it), but I do (have too much rizz)”, Also, “boyfriends”, and “dresses in my closet” were some pretty funny answers.  I enjoy the laughter.

We had a special guest appearance and the toddlers antics were much appreciated by all.  Especially when Ronan took some lavender and ate it – just – raw.  This brought curiosity and several of us had to try it.  I did later from my own garden – how interesting lavender tastes pretty good, all by itself.

I asked for and received a very short hair cut.  I love it because it bugs me when hair gets into my face or eyes.  Bobby isn’t very happy – he did pray that it would grow fast.  Seth doesn’t care but I told him he could at least say, “Nice haircut.”  Bobby said, you can say, “You are still pretty.”  It’s funny how our outward appearance does affect others.  Care or not we can notice and be nice about it or mean.  I mostly don’t care about what it looks like.  My hair is going to be crazy no matter what kind of cut I have.

One incident did make me smile every time I remembered it.  Music day is once a year.  I remember being a host when Adriel was in band.  I was bringing band kids door to door to ask for cans, cash or check.  Many a youth was terrified to talk.  I enjoy being prepared so we had a check ready and taped to the inside of the door.  They rang the doorbell at 9:30 AM which felt quite early for a Saturday.  Yet, there they were in full band uniform.  Before they could say their not yet memorized talk I handed them the check and the response was fun, “Awesome!”  I still smile, thinking of all the times there was so much angst.  I can support the music program.  I believe it’s good for people to train their brains in that way.

May you also delight in supporting causes you believe in.  May you find joy in knowing you are loved, cared for and cherished by your creator.  Hugs, and love, Cristy

 

9/7/25

 Dear Family,

 

               I am so glad we had time to gather on Labor Day.  I enjoyed spending time with friends and our kids.  I enjoy time with those close to us.  Bobby and Costco made strawberry short cake and it was delicious.

               The rest to the week went quite well.  I enjoyed seeing Bobby when he came back from his trip to fish with his dad.  They didn’t keep any fish for us to eat but Bobby came home with beef.  That was fun.  Bobby made shepherds pie and it’s gone already.

               In the time I had without Bobby I have been plugging away at getting my best book so far into Shutterfly.  It’s a process because I made the text three colors in different parts so that is tedious but it’s coming along, and I am getting excited about it.

               Adriel mentioned she is happy, and I am glad for her.  She is moving into a new place, still has two jobs and one class to finish for college.  Her future looks bright.

               Seth mentioned he will continue to walk to church even when he gets his car back from the shop.  I guess a transmission is hard to fix because Harolds has had it over two months.  The walk to and from church is a pleasant one when it’s not raining.  Well see if he still wants to do that walk in the rain when he has a car.  Bobby doesn’t.

               May you find joy in knowing our Lord, wisdom in seeking His will and love for each person you encounter this week. Love and hugs, Cristy

9/1/25

 Dear Family,

Bobby left for a camping trip with some youth, and Rich Duval.  I feel blessed that I can hold down the fort and have evening dates with friends.  I so enjoy teaching someone to drive, going out to eat with another, helping her move, prayer group and having time to be with people I love.  Yes, I love Bobby and I’m glad when he is home.  But even when he is not home, my life is so full and wonderful.

I also enjoyed a peaceful evening to myself.  Puttering around the house, cleaning, enjoying the silence and having time to do whatever I want.  Ahhh, such a feeling of freedom.  I love that.

Adriel and Seth chatted with me Thursday for my lunch break and I enjoyed talking to them both so very, very much.

It was so good that Bobby came home safe and sound.  He had some fun camping stories to tell and that was nice.  This week we did go to the fair one day.  So many things to look at! So many shows!  The racing pigs were so cute I cried tears of joy.  When the announcer said they were racing baby dianosaurs I had to laugh.  The little girl next to me was incredulous, "There's no such thing as baby dinausoars!  Well, sheep in dino costumes was good fun as well.  (Pictured above).

The fire dancer/acrobatics of another show were so amazing!  The entire crowd was gasping, oohing and in awe.  Some people are great at their jobs.  I did imagine how they could loose their job though – if the trees catch fire on a toss, if a person let’s go accidentally of their partner and, yikes.  Anyway, as an older person who now sees many creative ways people loose their jobs that’s where my mind went.  Also – repetitive motion injuries.  His neck is going to feel that later (as she is spinning and only being held on by a strap on his neck).

Ahh, then the building with massage chairs, EMS units, food and makeup samples.  After three massage chairs didn’t make my cut (not digging into me deeply enough).  He said, “Well you need a new bed then.”  Bobby asked, as I was trying out a new bed, “How did you get over here?”  My over relaxed body said in bewilderment, “I don’t quite know.”  We enjoyed ourselves greatly 😊.  No need for rides, I was sore enough from being on my feet all day.

How fun to have excitement come to our doorstep.  May you also enjoy God’s people, critters and joy as he delivers divine appointments, OH YEAH, we saw so many people we know and it was super fun to catch up.  How delightful!  Also wearing our Rooted youth group shirts was a conversation topic which was fun.  Yay God!

Anyway, may you enjoy God’s timing, beauty and creativity in creation.  Much love, Cristy

8/25/25

 Dear Family

               Last week was pleasant. It feels like there isn’t much to write about, but God brought to mind several things.

               Our friend Adam preached a Sermon a while back that had Bobby featured in it.  The first illustration had me completely grossed out but by the end of the sermon I was crying so – that was neat.  The interesting thing is that although I feel I might have heard these stories – they were presented through Adam’s eyes, so they took on new profound meaning.  And that’s how it is when we read the Bible or hear it through sermon as well.  If you would also like to listen to the sermon it’s at https://branches.tv/messages?sapurl=LythY2FhL2xiL21zLyszMnBocWR6P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQmZ0bjNoNGs=

(You will have to search for Adam Pinkston’s name and if you want to skip the music it’s about a half an hour in.)

               The youth group did go on a trip to get ice cream on Wednesday night.  I enjoyed our chats.  Watching people grow up is such an honor.  They start so small.  Then they are taller than I am, and I love that.  Sometimes they are silly and sometimes our talks are serious.  How fun to enjoy a deep conversation with someone you have known for years.

               Adriel and I enjoy talking on the phone.  She plans on moving soon so please pray for her wisdom as to where to move and with whom.  The destination has been iffy, but I think she may have found a friend of her roommate that will fit the bill – someone responsible.  Yay!

               Seth has almost run out of housework because he has been so diligent AND because not watering in the summer means less weeds.  The garden is manageable and that is an amazing blessing.  Last week he cleaned cobwebs off outside lights and did some weeding in the lawn.  I feel so blessed that he works hard and is helpful.

               I have felt motivated to add my latest book to the Shutterfly archives.  It’s an expensive way to get a book printed but because I want my books to be hard cover it’s worth it to me.  I don’t have any visions of grandeur, desire to travel the world selling my books or thoughts I might become famous any more.  The books did not sell themselves. Even so I do want a way to get them printed for gifts and I only have two of the latest book left.  I’m on page three and it’s pretty tedious.  Please pray with me that I stay motivated if God wants me to do this.

               May you also find strength in doing what you think He wants you to do.  May you enjoy His blessings, His love, His comfort and any AC you find.  Love and hugs, Cristy

              

              

8/17/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Color wars was the highlight this week.  Bobby planned for everyone to have white shirts and this made everyone want to participate more.  That is the first time I have received any color at these events.  Usually, I stay clear and feel respected.  This time I had some hugs and felt loved.  Interesting.  Either way, we have new comers who are curious what kind of church does a color extravaganza and that is fun.

               Seth continues to help with the house, this week he washed the outside windows.  I really appreciate the help.

               Bobby has been home and I have enjoyed his presence immensely.  We did have a date night this week and it’s fun to just be together.  I enjoy that he cooks and love that he makes our house smell good. 

               Adriel made it home safe from her second week of camp and I am glad for that.  She is constantly on the go but sounded healthy and tired.

               I am excited for the future and glad for the past.  May you have memories to warm your heart and plans to give you hope.  Much love, Cristy

8/10/25

 

Dear family,

 

               The latest person I have enjoyed watching learn to drive is four years old.  She was backing out of spaces, possibly running snakes over and enjoying the good life.  It’s funny to see a youngster in a toy car.  There are many similar concepts to learn; what way does the vehicle move when backing up and turning the wheel, not running grandma over, driving while turned backwards.  (Well, maybe not that last one.)  I enjoy my adopted family and was so glad when they decided we don’t really need candles to be on the cake for blowing out.  Candles on cake was a pretty yucky tradition if you have Covid in your thought processes.

               Either way I am so glad for my church family.  You are my friends and I am glad to enjoy your company while Bobby takes yet another trip.  He was home for a couple days.  There was enough time for water balloon volleyball.  There is more skill than you would ever guess for throwing a water balloon out of a beach towel.  It’s a skill that we probably won’t have to use . . . ever. . . so no one practices during the year.  I enjoy watching and the kids have fun every time.  We have a great group of lovely people.  Each one is a blessing to see when we do have youth group. 

               Seth continues to do beautiful landscaping and I appreciate his efforts so much.  Our yard is manageable this year, yeah!!  Since Seth has done so much work I haven’t cried once because the yard was overwhelming.  Seth even swept our sidewalk.  It’s so beautiful!  I then had time to take my wheel barrel and clean up two or three other blocks on Wallace that were trashy.  I bicycle every day and want to live in a clean neighborhood.  During that task I saw a lovely lady from church and had several amazing interactions with neighbors.  I felt so loved, blessed and happy to live exactly where I live.  Seth’s efforts made my Saturday morning amazing.

               Adriel has embarked on a journey of being a camp counselor for a couple of weeks.  Please pray with me for her to have good health, good times and energy for the tasks she has to do.  I don’t know what hours she is there but I am guessing she is tired.  She did have an amazing week last week and has a new appreciation for caregiving and camp in general.

               Bobby came home early from his 100 mile hike for an entirely different reason than past hikes.  No tent malfunctions, fire, or extreme mosquitoes.  This time they simply hiked faster than expected. How fun.  Bobby was home just in time to help Seth spread gravel.  He was so excited about that. 😉.

               May you enjoy God’s gifts, know how loved you are and delight in the sun, rain, stars and beauty that we are surrounded with.

 

Love and hugs, Cristy 

7/27/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Taking time off to visit family for a Birthday is not only the right thing to do but a fabulous, wholesome, feel good adventure.  I can’t express how fulfilling it is to be with people that love you to the depths of your toes and tippy top of your head.  My parents seem to hang on our every words and it is a large dose of encouragement just because we took time to be there.  I am glad we went.  Dad enjoyed his Birthday and we all enjoyed spending time together.

I must admit, this is a funny blessing.  I enjoy staying at the Holiday Inn in Bothell not only because of points but because answering their question of the week can get more points.  Here is the question.  “What breaks even if you don’t touch it?” I’ll give some answers and the right answer at the end.

               What a blessing to see my sister and her offspring.  I can’t say children since half of them are grown up.  It was wonderful to hear how their plans are clipping along.  We enjoy seeing them and giving good long hugs.  We are so blessed to know them and be a part of their lives. 

               OK the answer to the riddle wasn’t, your heart – (which was my initial guess but they said no).  A next guess was a funny one – wind.  I had to mention it because there was a chuckle.  I also asked family to chime in and Adriel asked if it was, “A car?”  (This, because of her many car troubles.)  No, the answer is a promise.  Well, I think all of them were good answers, but a promise worked for the points and that was fun.

               May you also enjoy family, friends, riddles and just plain wonderful times,

 

Much love,

 

Cristy