12/25/17

Dear Family,

Merry Christmas!!  I just read a great book that introduced the concept of God’s sacrifice.  Losing a child is hard.  I can only imagine the loss Jesus and God felt when Jesus came to earth.  Philippians 2:6-8 New International Version (NIV) says about Jesus that although he is in the ^{6b “}very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!”

We rejoice because their great sacrifice is our gain.  Our library will hold the book “There’s a Sheep in my Bathtub” by Brian Hogan as soon as I put laminate on it. 

Choosing to ponder the significance of God’s great sacrifice is the least we can do.  We are blessed to have our church facilitate these thoughts with a fantastic Christmas Eve service at West Hills Community Church.  I always find lighting candles to be significant and beautiful.  We met a person named Ben who will be deployed soon to be in a submarine for three months at a time.  That he joined our family for communion was special.  That he complimented Adriel on her voice was sweet. 

            How fun to celebrate and enjoy parties!  All year I enjoy looking for white elephant gifts at the Union Gospel Mission for the Youth Group White Elephant exchange.  This year I truly enjoyed going to the party and seeing the reception of the presents.  The youth fought over a Gorilla Mask and large Sperm Whale that squirted water.  I love to laugh and laugh we did.

            We also enjoyed a party with our Homegroup.  How fun it is to gather and enjoy each other’s company.  How yummy it is to share snacks and time.

            Bobby has been a dear this week.  I enjoyed watching Star Wars with him on Monday.  He is good company, and I am glad we are still in love after 21 years.  Bobby also let me into the church to do some library work this week.  I am having a wonderful time putting laminate on books to make them more durable.  It is nice that Bobby can be there for me even when the church is empty. 

            Bobby cooked a fantastic meal for us.  We were able to visit with Mom Webb, Dad VanKleek, his girlfriend Sandy and Caren VanKleek.  It was nice to eat yummy food, and open Christmas presents with them.

            Bobby rescued me from my silliness.  We usually keep the kitten out of our room because of the dead mouse incident.  One night I didn’t.  While I was sleeping, I felt something very soft and tiny next to my pillow.  I gasped with enthusiastic emotion but didn’t wake up because I figured out it was Ripley's paw.  Bobby was coherent enough to get up and put her outside.  My hero.

            Adriel smiled at me for a picture.  Her smile is special now because I usually get frowns or silly faces.  Teens! 

Adriel also cracks me up.  Bobby invited youth over to our house impromptu.  Adriel heard of this and vacated immediately.  Apparently, she is allergic to Junior High kids.  She can handle the 4-5-year-olds.  Adriel just isn’t called to help with the Junior High group at this time in her life. 

            Seth and Adriel helped clean!  They are a blessing when they do what I tell them to do without complaining. 

            Before relatives came over, Gbod showed me how blessed we are.  As I cleaned, I felt lead to pray for refugees who had to leave all their stuff behind.  God wanted me to know that cleaning is not horrible – cleaning shows I am taken care of and truly blessed.

            That God came down and slept in a manger does show how much we do not need “stuff” to survive.  I know there are people cold and hungry today.  I am thrilled Caren gave “Chickens” to people in need for me.  We can only do so much.  Isn’t it wonderful that God is in control and not us?  I can pray for those in need and give to God’s work; I can do my part.  God, who is love, is in control.  He says, ^“29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.^[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:29-31 New International Version (NIV)

God cares, He is in control, He has sacrificed and continues to be involved in our lives.  He came down as a baby.  He sacrificed all, and we are free to celebrate His love.  May you feel his blessing in your life.  May you rejoice in His grace.  May your heart be full this Christmas season no matter how much “Stuff” you have or don’t have.  May you know the most important gift of all is Jesus Christ, come down to earth.

Much Love,

Cristy

Christmas letter 2017

Merry Christmas,

            How beautiful it is to share life with each other and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

            I enjoyed looking through my journal for this year to highlight the things that made us laugh or were interesting.  May they bring you joy.

Visiting Newport as a family this year was delightful especially since our expectations were meagre.  Seth was especially glad to find out that the Wax museum was much more interesting than he imagined.  He thought it would just be pieces of wax.  I teased him, “And over here is some ear wax circa 1945.”

Adriel wanted to revisit the “Now she can date because she’s 16” rule this year.  She wanted to know if this meant she could have a boyfriend.  Oh boy, Bobby’s heart rate rose, he had a lot of trouble with this.  He said, “Well, I don’t know about that.  Maybe, if you want to have a significant other or a special friend, only date in groups.”  Sigh – She wants to respect his wishes and said she would.  Meanwhile, I feel frustrated!  For crying out loud – I just want to know the guy's name!!!  I made Bobby say it, “Say, Boyfriend.”  He did, but was pleading, “Can’t you wait another year?”  I know his first kiss was at the age of 21 and that this is good, it is a good thing.  I guess he’s right.

            Adriel cracked me up one week.  She was angry because her hair was pretty, she had to go to marching band, and it was raining outside.  How could her hair do this to her on a day where it would just get ruined.  Oh, the angst of being a teen.

I baked some yummy food.  Seth asked, “What is that for?”  When I said, “Me.”  His response was, “Not anymore!”  Its fun to share and I don’t mind as long as I am appreciatedJ.  For some reason, Seth’s comment brought a smile to my face, and I felt lovedJ.

Seth said his Spanish teacher is funny, “She calls her kids at home ‘little terrorists.’” 

            I brought home a fun new fruit called Jack Fruit.  When Adriel asked what it was, she felt like I was racist!  She heard me say, “Jap fruit.” 

Being the church librarian is so very, very fun.  I enjoy featuring books and asked Bobby if he thought I should highlight a specific text.  He said, “As long as you don’t get me fired.”  I show him the title, “When not to obey your parents.”  “No,” Bobby says, “Don’t feature that book.”  There are so many hilarious titles!  We also have, “How to make people like you when you know they don’t” and “Interviewing Your Daughters Date, eight steps to No Regrets.”

            Adriel can be very expressive and loud especially when she is gaming online with her friends.  Bobby doesn’t like the quietness shattered and mentioned that maybe we could spray her with water.  This is hilarious, and my imagination had a hay day.  I said, “No” because we all know Bobby would have way too much fun.

A little boy gave Adriel some marbles for Christmas last year.  It was a delightful way to show love.  When Adriel cleaned out her room, I donated the marbles to our church Sunday because there are toys for the kindergarten kids that use marbles.  I brought them to the Sunday school room, and the teacher said, “Now we can bring a certain toy out!”  Apparently, the toy had no marbles anymore.  The one person most excited about this was the little boy that gave the marbles in the first place!  I didn’t tell him where they came from, but I felt that Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." is genuinely modelled here.  We can’t out give God.  Also, this increases my faith; God owns everything – he cares for us.  He is in control and makes sure we are taken care of.  His timing is perfect. 

Bobby bought a new game, and it was enjoyable to play with him and Adriel.  One of my favourite things about the game is that Bobby knows the maker of the game.  Since we sometimes disagree on rules, it was super that Bobby could text the creator to resolve our differences.  It was great.  In life, we also have a mediator who is the creator.  I am reminded of prayer and how God can be our mediator as well.  Everything is better when we are in touch with our creator.

            Wasn’t the eclipse unusual?!!  My most significant thought was that, If the sun went dark when Jesus died – yes, that would get a lot of people’s attention!  The eclipse was a way bigger deal than I expected and I am glad.  It felt special to see God arrange the sun and moon that way; His power was displayed for all to see.  I am so happy our entire family woke up and was willing to gather at the church to view the eclipse from the grassy field.  Experiencing that with family and friends was fun.

Other highlights of the year are: Bobby is now ordained, my dad survived a mini-stroke, Adriel and the Marching Band won regionals in San Jose, Seth is now in High school, and we have a cat who chases balls, bells and darts.  Her name is Ripley.

May you find joy in those you encounter.  May you be so filled by God that you can fill others.  May you delight in this beautiful, incredible Christmas season.  Much Love,

Cristy and the VanKleeks

12/18/2017

Dear Family,

                Have you ever had good advice that you just didn’t take?  I have told one of my children over and over again to put the heat register where it belongs.  Adriel loves to crank up the heat, take the heat register out of the floor, place it aside, place her feet in there, add a blanket and just bask in the warmth that flows under her desk.  Ahhhh, but when she leaves the register cover to the side, the kitten can bat a ball, hair tie or paper clip down in there.  That is annoying.  Forever, things are lost.  There seemed to be no reason to obey until one day the kids couldn’t find the kitten.  They thought maybe she went down the register and would become a toasted piece of meat.  I believe there was panic.  But what could they do, they had to go to school.  So they went, and they worried.  No one knows if Ripley was in the depths of our house and came out – but one thing I do know – Ripley is in good health, and the register is placed back where it belongs every time.  Nothing like a little panic to help matters along.

                 Seth reminds me of myself.  He doesn’t care that much about clothes.  Every Sunday he wears the same black shirt and black shorts or pants.  Every Sunday.  I didn’t think much of it until last week when we wanted to match for a family picture.  We couldn’t have him wear that black shirt because he wore it in last year’s family picture.  I had him try on the other dressy clothes in his closet.  They were either not comfortable, Hawaiian print or too small.  Goodness!  I went and bought him five shirts.  Yeah – he has new clothes.  I had him wear one for pictures and then told him to please wear a new shirt to church.  He refused!  What is this!!  Someone gave me this advice when I was early married, “You need to dress nicer, so it looks like you are being taken care of.”  I told Seth of this, and he doesn’t care.  Sigh, comfort seems to be the only thing that matters to him.  He did wear a different shirt to Church that day – too bad for me it was also black with a collar – looks the same.  The joke is on me.  This reminds me of Johnny Cash or Ian Malcom (Jurassic park).

                Our whole family battles a cold.  I win over colds because I not only value sleep, but I relish it.  I can sleep well and long.  I also use preventative medicine; cold calm, cold Eze and Zicam.  The rest of the family – well, the kids were diagnosed with Asthma when they were little, so maybe that is a factor.  Bobby hates to sleep and feels like he is checking the clock every ten minutes.  Poor guy – so he did stay home Monday.  Adriel stayed home Tuesday – and both were miraculously better Thursday in time to go to the new Star Wars movie.  (They enjoyed this very much.)  Now they still have symptoms when they haven’t had enough sleep.  Adriel was very excited that on Saturday she was able to take a nap.  The whole family seems to be getting better – please continue to pray for our bodies to fight well and be healthy.

                Christmas carolling with the youth group was very fun.  I enjoyed being in Bobby’s team visiting Capitol manor.  Singing for people brings joy to both them and us.

                Love is giving the kitten to someone.  It’s fun to see Seth do this for us and it is fun to do it for him.  Our purr box is a gift we can give each other for a turn.    

Bobby and I enjoyed a lovely gift card to Bobby’s favourite restaurant to frequent with me (Orupa).  Bobby has a lot of favourite restaurants, but I can’t handle fat on any meat, so this is the place I complain about the least.  (Steakhouses are out.) The Serve-safe food managers training has ruined me for several other places.  Thanks Matt Torres J!

I enjoy watching Seth encounter any technology new or old.  I was able to get a free video camera (for Seth) from Buy Nothing West Salem, and Seth likes it J Yeah!!

Adriel had several Babysitting jobs to do, and it was lovely to know she enjoys the kids as much as they delight in her.

Bobby and I enjoyed a Christmas party with Deacons and pastors.  We gave each other fantastic food, and Pastor Marcus facilitated a gift of kind words.  It’s fun to feel all gooshy inside and to appreciate each other.  We also heard some of his vision and were encouraged to stay the course.  Delightful!

One of my favourite yearly practices is the night in Bethlehem.  It’s fun to have young and old experience the sights and sounds of Bethlehem.  There is also a spice shop, so some good smells as well (thank goodness not the bad smells).  I had a blast telling people (as a shepherd) about the glowing, floating man in the sky telling me about great news!  Hamming it up is a blast.

May you find this Christmas season brings pure joy and peace.  May you delight in the yummy foods people give.  May your hearts rejoice that Jesus cares so much about us.

Love and Hugs,

Cristy

12/11/17

Dear Family,

            Even in the wintery, blustery cold, there is beauty among us.  The lights are beautiful!  I am glad humanity chooses to give time, money, and effort into keeping landscape cheery. 

            I am also glad Bobby chooses to cook.  This week he made some Chinese food, and everyone loved it. 

I also chose to make something this week.  I made cookies.  I have been buying whole wheat flour, so when we ran out of the white, I used whole wheat.  I believe there is nothing wrong with whole wheat cookies.  The kids thought otherwise.  Seth gagged and spat his bite out.  Drama in real life!  The next day I went out and bought white flour – goodness.  After I checked out Adriel had to text me saying, actually, the cookies were good – when she added frosting.  She had eaten four. I had to laugh – teens keep surprising me.

Adriel’s had no time at home because of, “Winter at West.”  They had practice and then performances every night last week– two on Saturdays.  I am so glad that is all done!

Seth cracks me up.  He loves playing with Ripley – she runs to catch things he throws.  He also enjoys petting her.  She will just lay spread eagle on his lap.  I wish Seth would let me take a picture of them without wrenching the phone out of my hands and deleting them immediately.

I enjoyed helping with the youth group and attending HomeGroup.  Bobby leads well, and it is fun being more part of his life.

Bobby also went to a play at Western Mennonite.  Several youths were actors, and I wish I had been able to go. 

Bobby and I also enjoyed attending Jacob Young and Rebecca Elmer's wedding.  They are adorable and are very excited to be married.

            Seth is excited to inherit Bobby’s old laptop.  I am glad Seth is getting some use out of it.  It’s dying.  Seth also mowed the lawn this weekend.  What a great guy J.

            May you feel joy and excitement as you anticipate the celebrations to come.  May you give love to all around you.  Hugs,

Cristy

            

12/4/17

Dear Family,

            Life certainly remains interesting!  Bobby cooked several yummy meals.  It was great to hear the kids compliment him.  I enjoyed a date with Bobby, and it’s terrific that he remains good company.

            This week was awards night for Marching band.  I enjoyed listening to their silly awards and hearing the director talk of how he figured out they were going to win regionals.  He judges competitions, and was thinking, “Well, we are better than that one, and that one . . . “  He said while they played he was shaking and crying because he just knew.  It was fun to hear that he was that excited.  He wants to bring them to Nationals next year.  Goodness!  It was nice that Adriel thanked me for going.

            Seth greeted me at the door one evening with, “Do you want the kitten?”  That’s one of the sweetest things someone can say to me!

            The youth group was a bit empty around 6:30 PM and Bobby said, “They usually don’t come the night after a holiday.  About 6:35 we had record attendance with friends of friends attending.  It was fun to feel the energy and to see the excitement youth always bring to the table.

            Bobby braved the great outdoors to get our tree all by himself this year.  It was great to come home to a tree already set up.  What a guy!

            I enjoy watching Bones with our family.  She is charming, and I like how she says, “I’m not that good with social skills.”  It’s nice to see someone portrayed as apologetic and kind instead of pompous and overbearing like House or Big Bang.  (House just went downhill.  He’s so nasty I had to stop watching.)

            Our kitten cracks me up.  She chases balls, bells, and nerfs darts.  Seth enjoys shooting Nerf darts and watching her run to get them.  What fun! 

            I am so thankful for the joy and peace Jesus brings to our household.  We are modelled forgiveness and can work out life together.  May you find comfort in knowing your sins have been paid for.  May you rejoice that God came down to us and wants to relate. 

Much Love,

Cristy

            

11/27/17

Dear Family,

                It’s interesting how we affect each other.  To visit family, we are willing to travel hours or take hours to clean.  As holidays draw near, we leave our beloved pet to the care of others, and the sacrifice is worth it.  It is good to visit and share love, food and hugs.

                I am so impressed by Adriel and Seth.  On both drives, they have matured enough that there were zero squabbles about touching, looking, anything!  We were able to listen to some comedy and music.  There was calm, and it was beneficial.  I love peace.  I was even able to sleep for about an hour.  Aren’t you glad I wasn’t the driver?

                 After about an hour of settling in and chatting with my dad, Adriel requested to go to Pike Place Market in Seattle.  Seth and I both opted out since we didn’t want to get in the car again.  My Dad was willing because he loves Adriel that much.  Bobby was OK with going but asked Adriel if she wanted this to be a her and grandpa thing.  “Nooo, you are my financier.”  So they went and had a good time.

                I enjoyed playing board games with my parents and our teens.  It’s fun to sharpen the brain, test our skills and enjoy each others company.  I also found that mom plays scrabble without the big dictionaries anymore.  Now there’s an app for that.  It was also fun to have dad say, “I’m drawing a blank – it must be my old age.”  He was holding a domino with double 0.  Being punny is fun J.

                My sister is brilliant.  She knows a place where kids and teens can relate well.  It worked to bring our families to a trampoline place!  I enjoyed watching all our kids interact.  My kids will even smile for Anita’s camera.  How fun to have them bounce, get energy out and enjoy each other’s company.  

Later we were able to relax at Doug and Anita’s beautiful home.  Adriel enjoyed crafting with the kids, and I loved how everyone got along.  Anita is a supporter of the arts.  She had cupboards full of crafting supplies.  Adriel was in crafting heaven.

                The next morning Adriel Bobby, Anita and Addie were able to run in a turkey trot.  It was fun to hear how fast and sore they were.  They enjoyed themselves and were very hungry for Thanksgiving dinner.

                I love how teachers can influence students.  In history class, Adriel’s teacher dared each student to dress as a pilgrim and pose as a conqueror at the Thanksgiving dinner table.  Adriel made sure to get permission.  I believe this picture of our Thanksgiving dinner is my favourite.  Adriel is doing the pose, Seth is face planting, and the rest of the people look surprised.  How fun!

                The teachers at West High school are fabulous!  I enjoyed parent-teacher conferences as I shadowed Seth.  The Spanish teacher was telling Seth he could get an A if he just practised, practised, practised.  She repeated this enough that Seth started getting uncomfortable.  I had to look up his grade when we were home.  He is doing just fine with a B.  Why in the world would he want to practice more?  For English, they have been studying the genera of Horror.  I have been lamenting this because I just hate horror.  My whining came up, and Seth had to clarify that, “Mom is an extreme Christian.” 

                I enjoyed walking the halls of West and hearing people say, “Hi, Seth.”  People like him.  He is still bad about saying, “Hi” back but it’s been that way since grade school.

                At home, I have been able to borrow a PS2 game player from church friends.  Seth and Bobby helped me test PS2 games.  I had 29!  I’m trying to sell these things and Christmas time seems to be the time everything sells.  It seemed to take all day!  I feel blessed to have a church family that is willing to lend a gaming system.  Also, I was shopping for a monitor at UGM, and there were none to be found.  I said “Hi” to someone else from church who happened to be there I mentioned my chagrin, and she texted her husband, and they had a monitor in Bobby’s office for us the next day.  WOW!  Thanks to the McNinch and Lockhart families!

                Adriel is having fun with friends.  She is excellent company; I understand why people want to have her over.  It is good that Bobby has installed the form for her to write down all the questions he would ask.  Now I have a paper that guides us through the whole “Where is Adriel?” realm.  Me saying, “With friends,” wasn’t doing it.

Dad VanKleek and Sandy dropped by to say, “Hi”.  It was fun seeing them! 

Sunday morning at church I looked behind me in the pew and didn’t see Adriel.  Yup, she was serving with the little people.  I am proud that Adriel is able and willing to help.  She is a great person, and I am glad to be her mom.

Family is great!  I am so glad to have you in mine J.  Thank you for reading, enjoying and being a part of my life.  As we focused on thankfulness, I am thinking of you.  Much Love,

Cristy

11/20/17

Dear Family,

            Thankfulness is such a blessing in itself.  Choosing to focus on the good improves mood, relationships and maybe even health!  I truly enjoyed our pastor's sermon Sunday morning focusing on Philippians 4:4-7  ^“ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

            I enjoyed my children giving a conspiratorial chuckle when I asked this question, “What is that rattling sound every time I turn a corner in Adriel’s car?”  Apparently one of Adriel’s friends has put pennies in the air vent – lots of pennies.  Seth said, “It might be worth your time to get them out – there’s a lot of money in there.”             Adriel drives Seth to school and youth group.  I love this.  It’s also nice that she can give rides to friends.  I have fond memories of the times I gave rides to friends.  I was generous because my starter didn’t work and I needed a push for a jump start.  Good times J.

            Adriel made cookies Saturday.  Well, more like she made cookie dough and cooked about ¼ of it.  She likes dough best.  We live dangerously.

            Seth is doing well.  This was highlighted Wednesday when Bobby Seth and I went to an IEP meeting to discuss how West High school can do their best to educate Seth.  The vice principal of West used to be Seth’s grade school principal.  How neat to remember how far Seth has progressed with Mr Whitman.  Seth has come so far, surviving junior high means he can do anything!

            Adriel and Seth helped bring in the garbage.  God has blessed me with kiddos who help with housework and keep their grades up.

            Bobby is concerned about our family pictures and decided to help me dye my hair with henna.  He wanted to make sure I got everything.  It was sweet of him to help, and I love the results no matter what.

            Bobby pets our kitten, Ripley, pretty rough.  I was kind of concerned until I saw that sometimes when he pets her – Ripley’s leg twitches like a dogs!!  It’s true; I have to get a video!  Who knew cats could have a sweet spot?!  I had a horse who would stretch her neck out and loved being scratched.  How fun!

            Bobby cooked a yummy dinner this week.  He also took a picture of Ripley’s handiwork.  She had gone up high and pushed my sewing kit off above the dryer.  Sewing kit items were strewn over the floor.  I came home expecting to clean up the mess, but Bobby had done it already.  What a guy!

            Sunday morning the church celebrated Bobby’s ordination by giving him a plaque.  It was nice to be called up and see a pleased congregation.  It was terrific for the deacons to pray for him.  It was charming for Paul Alley to e-mail me the pictures.  We are so very, very blessed and cared for!

            While reading Compassion International’s magazine, they pointed out how some children are saved from being sold or from poverty because we choose to give monthly.  Lives are changed because we give out of our excess.  Wow!  We are blessed more than we can imagine.

Much Love,

Cristy

11/13/17

Dear family,

Two things affected me profoundly this week.  At youth group, Bobby asked people to give five words to describe themselves and then we would guess who each person was.  People got into this which surprised Bobby.  In all reality, we want to be known.  One thin young man – short in stature and probably only 11 years old described himself as a fierce warrior.  I did not see this but then heard he takes karate.  How I wish I had taken Karate – and I had made Seth!  I think I still can.  I sure want someone in my family to describe themselves as a fierce warrior.  That is so cool!

Thursday was a Veterans Day assembly at Claggett Creek Middle school where I work.  Before breakfast, one of my lunch servers asked if I wanted to see a picture of her mom in the army.  I have a soft spot for young people who choose to volunteer to serve lunch.  I said, “Yes.”  She showed me a picture of her mom with a group and then her mom in uniform.  I asked, “Is she deployed now?”  When this sweet little girl said, “She’s gone.”  I asked, “Is she dead?”  And, “Yes, she is.”  I mentioned how both were beautiful and I was glad she had shown me the pictures.  I went to work more in the back as I cried.  There is a sweet young girl living without her mom right now, and this is why I will remember never to say Happy Veteran's Day.  I know that something good will come of this.  I believe this young woman will be stronger because her mother died and I hope her father found someone to help raise this beautiful young woman.

            Bobby is now ordained.  It was a very cerebral process.  I didn’t see the point at first, but I do now.  Bobby took the time to write down everything he believes and then he had to defend that.  Other pastors asked him defining questions, gave him affirmation and made him add verses to prove what he said.  It was hard on Bobby, but it was good.  Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Bobby is a stronger person now, and that was cool to watch.

Bobby also cooked several meals, and lead home group.  He continues to be nice and make the bed.  I am glad Bobby is living and growing, continuing to breathe and bring meaning into our lives.  Bobby also thanked me for helping out at youth group which is sweet and endearing.

Adriel and Seth both work hard to continue to keep their grades up and help with chores.  They both also attend youth group and have been quite sweet to each other this week.

Seth mowed the lawn, and I am delighted that he can do this.

Adriel was very cuddly at home group, and Seth leaned in a bit.  I enjoy their public affection even though they confessed utter boredom later.

Adriel sent a very loving text and has been very sweet.  She did crunch a parked car a little and may have to pay for damages (after insurance).  She is glad not to be yelled at and to be covered by insurance and to be loved. 

May you find joy as you remember all you are thankful for.  May you know that even the hard times are used to refine us.  Much Love,

Cristy

11/6/17

Dear Family,

            How wonderful it is to look back and see that God continues to work thru all things and in all things.

            Bobby and I were able to squeeze a date in on Monday and it was fun to enjoy wonderful food and share our life.  I am so glad we are still good company for each other. 

            Bobby took time to make a wonderful dinner for our family even in the business of getting ready for a Junior High trip.  He’s home safe and sound.  I’m glad he enjoys his work.

            Halloween is always a blast here!  I enjoy helping West Hills out with the harvest party.  Even though the weather was great we had a wonderful turnout and many people came for our Star Wars themed Harvest party.  The youth are able to help and then gather leftover candy.  So, much, fun!  At home, I made Seth share candy by dumping mine and his in a bowl for the whole family.  Maybe I should have been smarter – maybe I shouldn’t have shared at all.  I don’t know – but it’s gone now and that is that. 

            Seth can be very helpful.  He is working with me on getting some church VHS onto DVD format.  I am glad he’s willing to set his mind to hard things and it helps me brainstorm.  It’s not a done deal yet, but things are moving along.

            Adriel is fun.  She insisted she had to show me this cringy dance on YouTube.  It took her a while and it was funny.  I just wish it wasn’t past my bedtime.  I feel like I’m dying of exhaustion (I’m not) but I remember promising myself when I was a teen that I would listen to my kids sooooo.  I waited and was rewarded with a silly laugh.

            Adriel can be super adorable.  She brought some friends home to make dinner for them.  She was excited, jumping around the kitchen and it was fun to see her try her hand at being domestic.  All were happily full by the time they left.

            I am guessing Marching band won a competition again.  They went and played.  I just checked.  (http://www.statesmanjournal.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/arts/2017/11/05/photos-salem-schools-compete-in-marching-band-championships/107366614/) Yup, they won again.  Great group of kids.  That was their last Hurrah for this season.  Yeah!  It’s over.

          Also please pray for Bobby as he is being Ordained on Saturday.

            May your joy overcome any hardship or sorrow.  May you find peace and love all around you.  Hugs J 

Cristy

10/30/17

Dear Family,

            The biggest excitement of my week includes holding something soft and wondering what in the world it was.  3:30 AM, I got up out of bed (as usual).  In the dark, I noticed something small at the side of our bed.  I picked it up and felt it.  It was soft and oval shaped and I rubbed my thumb on it wondering what I had put there???  Clothes weren’t that shape and then - I knew it - and gasped.  Guess what I was holding! . . . . . It was a dead mouse!  Little tail and all. 

            Here are the things I am glad about even though I was quite shaken.  At 6 months old Ripley (our kitten) is doing her job, yeah!  She didn’t put the mouse in my mouth in the middle of the night.  She left it out of our bed.  There was no blood or mess anywhere.  And biggest of all – it was truly dead, not half dead because that would have been traumatic for me to hold.  So, thanks God – for all that.  Thanks so very much!

            I am a true fan of decluttering.  I support this by selling anything the kids don’t want any more.  This way the item is truly gone and they can feel like it’s in a better place.  I mentioned to Adriel that an item sold and she said, “Sweet, how much did I get?”  When she heard she is only $2.50 richer she groaned and said, “At last, we can retire and give up this life of crime.” (A Serenity quote).  Yeah, it wasn’t much.  When I mentioned the things that sold she said, “I put one of those in the garbage.”  - True, when she cleans she can put 3 garbage bags in the hall full of things that are supposed to be mine, the kitchens etc.  So I have to go thru that.  Either way this makes me think of how God redeems us – others may think we aren’t worth anything but God swooped in, saved us from eternal punishment and paid the price for us.  1 Corinthians 6: 19 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.”  This frees us up, out of gratitude, to do good things.  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  We might not feel like we are worth much but God sees us differently.  He takes us out of the garbage, gives us new life and then we can be useful again.

            Adriel is now part of National Honor Society.  We don’t know quite what to make of this “Prestigious club.”  It is true that there weren’t that many people inducted.  It’s also true that this will help her get scholarships.  If there is money in it for us – we are happy for her.  She was OK about it enough to go – well, she wants to be a Dr. so anything that helps with school is good.

            The West Salem Marching Band is the hardest working group I know of.  Truly, those 12 hour days during the summer pay off.  Everywhere they go, they win.  They went to San Jose this weekend and won again.  I am never surprised.  No one else is devoted enough to put their entire lives on hold year after year.  I am simply glad the long trips will be all over in a week.

            Thursday night was home group and the teens all stayed for the Bible study time!  Seth included!  I loved it!  They grew up and now consider themselves old enough to not go play in a bedroom.  Yeah!! 

            Bobby is so very proud of Seth because Seth has taken after Bobby in one area.  They are smart.  Seth was absent on Friday because he was sick and he missed a test.  Monday Seth was able to take the test and do well.  Bobby mentioned that Seth didn’t even study but still did well.  Seth kind of smiled.  Bobby said, “You could have studied couldn’t you?”  We heard a shy, “Yeah” and saw an even bigger smile.

            Seth mowed the lawn on Saturday even though it just felt like yesterday he mowed it last.  He has decided that he wants to live in a van just so he doesn’t have to mow a lawn.  I told him that’s a great idea, he just has to get a gym membership for showers.  I remember being a teen and wanting to live in Africa.  I was excited about dirt floors because then I would never have to sweep.

            Several things I love about Seth.  He is always good for a begrudging hug and an, “I love you.”  It’s nice to have that daily connection.  I also love watching him with our kitten.  He is usually quite gentle and they are adorable together.

            Bobby cooked several nice meals and it was fun having the High School group over on Saturday.  We watched Princess Bride, talked about God a bit and ate fun food. 

            I also love that Bobby goes to his friend’s house to watch football.  They enjoy each other’s company and I enjoy the silence. 

            May you find joy in each and every good thing in your life.  May your every breath be a testimony that we are still alive, doing good enough and loving those around us.  May you rejoice in the beauty that God has surrounded us with.

Hugs,

Cristy

10/23/17

Dear Family,

                Have you ever found that if you are reading a good book, your entire life is coloured in beautiful hues of wonderment and joy?  Or . .  that whatever is happening in life right now is fine, but you wonder what will happen next in your read.  I am enjoying “Cape Refuge” by Terri Blackstock right now and it has helped me get through a very tough week.  I listen to it on MP3 in the car when I drive.  You can get these books from the Public library – free – it’s quite amazing.

                The hard part of my entire week, I can’t go into details, but I had to give Jonesy, our pet kitten, to a very nice lady who is excited to take care of him.  It broke my heart (so many tears) and I dreamed he came back.  God knows what is best.  I think I had put the kittens above God.  I needed to learn a lesson and be pruned.  God always needs to be first, I cannot have any idols.  We still have Ripley and she’s very happy (so much purring) so that is nice.

                The wonderful parts of my week are about the family.  We have great kids and a good marriage.  We have amazing parents to call for advice.  We have jobs that fit us perfectly.  We are so very blessed.

                At the beginning of the week when it was sunny, Seth mowed the lawn.  He cracks me up.  A task he doesn’t like can be broken into two parts or even three.  Sunday I tell him he has to mow the lawn tomorrow.  Monday he negotiates mowing only half the lawn.  Tuesday he does the rest.  I love that guy!  Seth did get sick this Wednesday after youth group.  He had a fever and now has a cough and barely any voice.  He had to miss school Friday and because of this, I stayed home this weekend which was a blessing since I needed to process what happened with Jonesy.

                Adriel sometimes has a problem with motivation.  She truly enjoys gaming when she has time for it.  She doesn’t notice that her chores need to be done unless I point it out.  Repeatedly.  I was too busy to help her priorities stay straight until Tuesday.  When I did crack down there was a bit of a tussle with giggles as I turned off the Wi-Fi while she was gaming.  This motivated her to clean her room and the bathrooms (something she should have done Saturday).  I am so glad that Adriel accepts responsibility calmly.  Many teens would not be able to handle the plug being pulled in the middle of gaming. 

                Adriel’s strength and stamina also amazes me.  The entire Marching Band practices in down pouring rain.  Adriel is not sick!  Teens are resilient!  Adriel said she is glad they don’t have to roll on the ground this year.  The year they had to roll on the ground in the rain was rough.  (Sure, it looked good but) I can’t even imagine.

                Bobby continues to make the bed which remains a blessing to me.  He take the time every day and that is wonderful.  He also thanks me for going to youth group which is a joy.  Adriel and Bobby have comforted me thru this kitten journey and I am blessed to have family that cares. 

                Bobby went to the pastor’s conference in Seaside with Pastor Marcus this year as both Seth and Kahori are sick.  God knows what needs to be done and I am sure it was a good bonding experience for them to share a room.  Please to pray with me for Kahori, Seth and even my mom as they are all not feeling well.

                May you find deep meaning even in the hard times.  May you accept correction as well as praise.  May you find joy in the mundane and peace in God’s loving presence.  Much love,

Cristy

                

10/16/17

Dear Family,

                How delightful it is to review the week and find it was filled with peace.  I seriously don’t need that much excitement.  Actually having two days off work right after my Birthday was pretty exciting.  I definitely enjoyed that. 

                Bobby cooked several meals this week and it’s always nice to have him home for a great evening dinner.  Adriel came home from marching band practice Monday right as Bobby was putting food on the table.  She was so happy to have food ready because she felt very hungry.  Yay!

                Bobby is making more Star Wars carnival games for the Harvest party at church.  It’s fun to see him be creative and get excited about his job.  The Harvest Party will be Star Wars again and everyone is truly happy about this.

                Bobby made my Birthday special by having the kids sign a card and giving me some of my favorite chocolate.  What a guy!  We already celebrated with my parents a week before so it was nice to feel celebrated again.

                We enjoyed a great first night of Home Group for the fall.  Bobby lead singing and the lesson.  It’s always a blessing when we meet and enjoy the company of others.

                Bobby went to help the Marching Band at Grants Pass this weekend.  Usually he just hangs out with the teens but he’s been getting to know parents this weekend as well and mentioned that he has met a bunch of nice people.  That’s fun!

                The first thing Seth does when he walks in the door from school is call the kittens.  I love this.  They are adorable, soft and happy to see us.  Who could ask for more?

                Seth brought the garbage out to the curb.  I love it when he does the hard work J.

                Seth mentioned that, “The yumminess of the meat drowns out the disgustingness of the veggies.”  In a dish Bobby cooked.  Sometimes it’s just not worth it to pick out all the veggies in a tasty blended dish.

                The kids were happy that I made two pans of brownies the day before my Birthday.  They enjoyed eating brownies and being reminded that I am getting older.  I was able to bring one in to work the next day and it was sweet of my coworkers to sing to me. 

                Adriel can be very expressive and loud especially when she is gaming online with her friends.  Bobby doesn’t like the quietness shattered and mentioned that maybe we could spray her with water.  Although this is hilarious and my imagination had a hay day, I said, “No” because we all know Seth would have way too much fun.

                Adriel and the marching band won again.  They work so hard it usually does end up they win hands down, no contest.

                May you find joy in the little things, peace in a roof over your head and contentment in the sound of a wonderful appliance working.  Love and hugs J Cristy