Blessings abound! 12/31/18

Dear Family,

                I may appreciate acts of service the most (out of the 5 love languages).  As I was reading what I am thankful for I see many wonderful actions.  I am also super thankful for peppermint soap, chocolate, oh AND all the wonderful Christmas blessings, cards and wishes!  Wow, thinking back, this has been an amazing week.  Hopefully for you as well.  Merry Christmas!

                Last week Bobby started cooking Sunday night, kept it up Monday morning and had a feast for his mother, sister, dad and Sandy, dad’s girlfriend.  How fun it was to gather, enjoy each other’s company and eat amazing food.  Thanks, dad for bringing wonderful drinks and mom and Caren for bringing rolls, drinks and assorted treats.  What joy it is to celebrate Jesus by giving each other gifts. 

                The kids were telling a silly story about Adriel’s friend putting pennies down the air vent in her car when Seth said, “Adriel why do you let your friend do that?”  Seth had an epiphany.  “Hey, that’s going to be my car!”  Seth will be stopping that nonsense in the future.

                We were able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve with lighted candles, beautiful song and a lovely message about God’s love at West Hills Community church.  We are so blessed, what a wonderful church!

                Christmas morning Bobby made yummy eggs and ham. 

Later he was cooking again, getting ready for a gathering with our adopted Duval family.  Our immediate family enjoyed opening Leng presents and immediate family presents in the AM.  How fun.   At the Duvall’s house, we ate, played games, reminisced and enjoyed. 

                Bobby and I also loved a date this week.  We are so blessed!  I am glad we still get along.  There were some hard years but with God, we are doing good.

                During the week I asked Adriel a couple questions in passing.  “How long does it take you to fill out a scholarship?  How many scholarships have you filled out already?”  She answered honestly and both times said, “Why are you asking.”  I gave her a straight answer later on in the week.  We are willing to pay her for filling out scholarships because that helps with college costs.  We are copying pastor Marcus with this idea.  Isn’t it a great one?  When we gave Adriel money for the scholarships she has already done, she figured out what her answers meant.  “Actually,  I may have filled out more scholarships than that.” 

                While I was waiting for our cat's teeth to be cleaned and for Adriel’s tires to be rotated and aligned I walked around Salem.  It was fun but boring.  I was able to do secret shops and use the Shopkick app.  Bobby asked where I was and offered to pick me up for a youth group event.  What a great guy J!  Seth also asked where I was.  When I asked if he wanted to join us his response was, “No, I just want to know how long you will be gone.”  Seth may have sold his phone but if he wants to communicate with us, he knows how.

                Seth also thanked me for warming up some leftovers.  He’s very sweet.

                Bobby did what I cannot do.  Bobby had Seth drive him into West Salem.  Yay!!  Seth said he is not comfortable with this but he did it anyway.  Yay Bobby, Yay Seth!!

                Bobby cooked ham bone soup this week.  It’s amazing.  He cut something with the jigsaw.  I was scared to do it but Bobby was brave and whipped it out in minutes.  What a guy! 

                Adriel is cleaning out her room, donating things, putting stuff under the house and bringing some out to the garbage.  She’s getting ready to move in April.  I may feel a bit of a tug that she wants to leave us BUT that she is putting feet to her words gives me a sense of pride.  Good for her.  She is growing up and moving on. 

                Adriel continues to draw wonderful pictures for our next book and wants to keep this up for all my books in the future!  How exciting and fun!  I am glad she is willing to do this.

                May all of us grow in God.  May we make resolutions and keep them.  May we enjoy life, love, and all God has to offer.  Much love,

Cristy

12/24/18 Sick and then better

Dear Family,

                Sometimes our joy is stolen by sickness.  Poor Bobby.  After several fun and festive Youth Group parties, he fell ill at 9 PM Wednesday night.  In the middle of the night, he had several violent attacks and then groaned the rest of the night and day.  I was getting ready for work but thought if he died while I was gone, I would feel guilty.  I asked if he wanted me to bring him to the hospital.  He said, “No.”  So I went to work.  Adriel also drives.  She was able to get him a thermometer which he checked regularly.  On my way home I was able to get him fruit popsicles.  Other than, “Please change the rag to be cooler and please buy fruit pops,” the request that touched my heart most was, “Please pray for me.”  After I prayed for him out loud around 6 PM Thursday night he was able to sleep better through the night.  Thursday day he didn’t get out of bed much but by Friday he was %75 better.  Saturday he was up, spreading holiday cheer by delivering Christmas goodies .  Yeah for recovered health!

                Bobby also thanked me for taking pictures of the youth group party.  I love it when I get some good ones! 

                Seth, Bobby and I had fun at our home group party.  We are blessed that it is legal to meet because we love God.  Not everyone has that.

                I enjoyed my time teaching Seth to drive.  I told him, “You could drive towards town.”  As he turned the wrong way he said, “But I’m not.”  He is only on hour 13 but by hour 50, he’s definitely going to have to be willing to drive to West Salem.  He is going to have to drive over the bridge, on freeways, and to Seattle.  Yup, I’m going to make him drive me to Seattle this summer.

                Adriel is happy with various Christmas parties and a Christmas bonus at work.  How fun that various places of work celebrate with gifts.  She is also able to fill in for others.  My Adriel is a hard worker and I am proud of her loving attitude towards all.  Her hugs are especially sweet.  I am also glad for her artistic abilities and willingness to draw for me.

                The other day the kids saw I was playing Solitaire.  They asked why and I said, “I’m getting paid ten cents every half an hour to play.”  This made them laugh but Seth said something sweet, “Well, it’s nice to see you are relaxing.”

                May you give yourself permission to relax this Christmas season.  May you enjoy the time you have for celebrating, loving and enjoying each other.  Much Love,

Cristy

                 

2018 Christmas Letter

Dear Loved ones,

How fun and wonderful to reflect on the year.  How amazing that you might find our lives interesting.  I’ll give a brief synopsis for each person in our family then I’ll list the funniest things that happened in no specific order because I love to laugh and I believe you will also.

Bobby is 45 and still loves his job as Youth Pastor at West Hills Community church.  Even though we have been here 11 years he continues to enjoy working with youth and helping them figure out life.  A highlight for him this year was going to a reunion for a church we went to in 1995.  Sonrise Baptist church took Bobby in while he went to college.  The people there drove him to church then a person from the church gave him a car.  One person helped him get a job, and everyone loved him.  Bobby spent a summer living with the youth pastor and interned.  I enjoyed Bobby thanking people for their influence and for all they did.   He was very excited to see several youths.  Our reception tickled me.  Mary Beth and James Gleason were amazing hosts.  Seeing old friends gives me longing for Heaven.  The reception will be similar.

Adriel is 17 and a senior in High School.  A highlight of her year was being in the West Salem Band.  They went to Hawaii during spring break and then made history by being the first Oregon band to compete in Bands of America Grand Nationals in November.  They placed 27^th out of 108.  Adriel was glad they didn’t have to do Finals because then she was able to SLEEP!

Adriel was also accepted into the college she wants to go to, Western Oregon University.  They sent her a scholarship and are excited to have her come.  How fun!

Seth is 15 now and a Sophmore in High School.  He is not enjoying learning to drive but is learning anyway.  A highlight of his year was acquiring a new gaming computer and “Meeting friends online.” 

Seth said yes to a ministry opportunity!  Bobby and I were so proud of him for doing an excellent job with the power point during a Sunday morning service last January.  Yeah J.  Go, Seth.  He’s started at age 14 and has been on rotation ever since then.

I am Cristy VanKleek.  I’m 43 now and glad to be where God has me as a lunch lady.  A highlight of my year was publishing my second book, Star’s ‘First Kiss’.  I have learned a lot through the process and am excited about what God has for me.  I’ll look into going to a book fair or two this summer.

Now on to what made me laugh this year:

Bobby texted me saying, “I’m making French soup, is there anything else you want me to make with it?”  I had to reply with, “French bread, French dressing, French Fries.”  Bobby was tickled with the Better Off Dead reference and mentioned it several times. 

            I was driving both kids home, and Adriel mentioned that the reason her computer isn’t working is that the internal clock is overclocked (or something odd like that).  I remembered aloud about Y2K and how everyone was worried all computers would die because the date was turning from 1999 to 2000.  People stocked up on food and water.  Seth said, “That is dumb.”  Then I mentioned how people also thought the world would end because the Mayan calendar ended.  Such terror.  Seth said, “Isn’t Mayan just a brand?” 

            Adriel was able to babysit at our house one day.  It was fun to hear chipmunk voices.  Little ones are so dramatic!  I enjoyed hearing Adriel in the parental role saying, “Calm down,” or, “I’m going to fix your food now.”  She’s a great caretaker, and the kids love her – although one did say, “I love my blanket so much, I even love it more than you!”

            Seth was playing games with friends online, and I had the Guardians of the Galaxy on loud while I worked in the kitchen.  He is located closer, so it was loud enough for his friends online to hear.  Seth said, “If you hear yelling, it’s a movie, not my parents.”  I had to add, “If you hear gunshots it’s also the movie, not your parents.” 

            Adriel was having fun talking to a friend about what was going on at home.  She mentioned that I am a church librarian.  Her friend said, “Isn’t there only one book?” 

            Seth helped his grade by baking a “Depression-era” cake.  It was made with ingredients like bacon drippings, raisins and grape juice.  We thought it would be disgusting but I liked it!  Seth’s favorite part was that I bought bacon (for the drippings).  He said, “No matter how the cake tastes we have bacon, so it’s a win-win.”

I have a joke I heard from Sunday school.  Thanks, Hal Washburn.  A professor asked the class to look out the window.  “Do you see the birds?”  The class replied affirmatively.  “Do you see the trees?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see God?”  The class responded, “No.”  And the professor said, “That’s because there is no God.”  A student responded with, “Do you see the professors tie?”  The class said, “Yes.”  “Do you see his shoes?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see his brain?” 

Adriel said wants a piranha even though we won’t get her one.  I mentioned sarcastically, “And some people think cats will kill us.”  She said, “I don’t want a piranha to pet it!” 

I asked Seth if he would walk with me.  I used the excuse, “You are big and strong and you can help me stay safe.”  He said, “I am not strong, I am weak and I am not brave.  I would just run away if someone attacked us.”  I answered with, “In that case, I am faster and they would get you, not me.”  He countered with his dry wit, “So now I’m a sacrifice.”

Adriel has a very amazing ability.  She sleep obeyed.  I woke her up for church one morning and asked her to sign a card.  She did so and I left for church.  Later I heard she was frustrated that she woke up late???  Apparently, she had no recollection of signing the Birthday card and slept through the entire process!  Maybe I should have her do more while she is asleep!

Adriel felt very encouraged by Jerry one day this week.  She was introduced to him Tuesday morning and “Developed such a tight bond over these past couple hours; he helped me stay hyped up and focused when it came to marching out in the hot sun.”  Jerry was a praying mantis that hung out on her horn and her hand. 

I truly enjoy the time I have teaching Seth to drive.  At the age where kids don’t talk much, we have great conversations like this: As he drives by a school for making wine.  Me: Who would have guessed there’s a school for making wine.  Seth: Everyone who studies making wine.  Or Me: Oh, a cross on the side of the road means someone died here.  Seth: Mom, don’t scare me any more than I already am!

At Youth Group the youth were chatty, happy to be there and rowdy.  They were supposed to be quiet and attentive to the message.  As a quieting technique, Bobby said, “I think I’ll give some candy corn to the people that are quiet.”  He bent down to grab some from the bag with his eyes on the task.  By the time he had a handful and had stood up the entire room was dead quiet.  Bobby then said, “Or I’ll just eat some myself.”  A youth leaned over to me and said, “This isn’t like the Oprah Winfrey show.”

Bobby is the cook in our family.  One day Seth went back for seconds and Bobby was so pleased that Seth thought the food was good.  Seth’s response was, “Dad, your food is always good.  I just don’t always like it.”  This response reminds me of God and his gifts.  They are always good, BUT we don’t always like them.

The greatest gift we celebrate is Jesus.  When God chose to redeem us by letting Jesus die for us it was a great sacrifice on His part and on Jesus’ part.  We are truly blessed when we realize how much we are loved.  May you feel peace as you discover anew God’s love for you.  Hugs,

Cristy VanKleek

12/16/18 It feels normal.

Dear Family,

                I have found a new way to disappoint Seth.  Bobby noticed the “Dance Central” moves I was rocking were pretty advanced.  He told me I should learn "Fortnite" dances.  I mentioned that if they were in a semi-workout format on YouTube I would.  They are.  Seth is not excited.  These new dance moves will impress all my friends and family.  Right!?  I will use my mad skills for years to come.  Bwaaaa hahaha.  I do work at a Junior High – maybe they will be useful there.  Probably not – ever – I don’t think anyone except workout partners and immediate family has seen me dance and it’s OK. I like to work out.  Making my kids groan is so much fun!  Bobby is now backing down.  He said he was just joking. 

                I enjoyed going to the Elder/Pastoral party at Marcus & Kahori’s house.  It is always wonderful to share amazing food, presents, laughter, encouraging words, and love.  Bobby made food for the party and for dinner one night this week.  I sure am glad he loves to cook.  We even had a chance to go out to eat.  Some parents are so grateful for all Bobby does they give him a restaurant gift card.  How blessed I am to be the one he shares with.

                Here is a funny quote Seth and I heard while Bobby was online gaming, “You guys do know I’ve been playing video games longer than you have been alive.”  This was probably in response to how amazing Bobby is at the game Fortnite.  He plays with 10-year-olds.

                Bobby was thankful for all people that came to sing carols and give out cookies to the elderly people in our community who signed up.  I enjoyed singing and being with a group of 6.  My group sang to 8 people.  We had three groups for Junior High night.  Bobby had the High school group go out the next night.  Pastor Marcus was happy.  He loved hearing how our church is impacting people.  Even children went and sang across the street at Gibson Creek.  How fun!

                Bobby was surprised that Seth came to sing carols.  Seth said, “Mom made me.”  I didn’t know I had.  All I said was, “There is youth group tonight.”  I am guessing Seth didn’t mind going that much.  He didn’t have any fight in him when it came to me.

                Because Seth won’t drive into West Salem I am creative about where we drive.  I found a spot that was interesting.  Seth drove me onto the Wheatland Ferry!  It was the first he remembered being on one and he stated, “Oh, they are this slow.”  Apparently, a game he plays has a slow part for the Ferry.  Funny how games mimic life.

                Seth mentioned something that made me say, “Ok, OK you are right.”  I had to be snarky and add, “How does it feel being right?”  He said, “It feels normal.” 

                Adriel made a beautiful drawing for me even though her days have been full with school and her nights have been full of Winter at West.  She burns the candle at both ends.  I definitely enjoy her company though and was very glad to take her out to eat this week. 

                I am glad the kids pray with me before I go to bed.  I do know they are busy so I’ll even pray with Seth while his game is going on.  I asked Adriel to pray with me upstairs one night when she was home.  She said, “I hope you don’t mind if I brush my hair while we pray.”  I said, “Not at all, I even pray with Seth while he’s gaming.”  This made us chuckle.  After praying I said, “Sorry our prayers aren’t that meaningful. “ Her quick response was, “Mom, all prayers are meaningful.”  This was heartwarming.

                May you find all the prayers you have to be full of meaning.  May you know God is listening, God cares, God listens and wants to hear more.  Much love,

Cristy

12/9 Preparing for Christmas

Dear Family,

                How busy the Christmas season is.  How wonderful.  We are preparing to celebrate Jesus Birth.  Preparing gifts for friends and family.  This activity is all good.  We want to bless others and are willing to sacrifice time to do it.  Also, some fun, since it’s not bathing suit season we can eat an extra cookie or two without that much guilt.  This week still had blessings and I am so glad God continues to work in our lives and yours.

                Seth asked me why I purchased and hung up mistletoe.  He said, “You can kiss us any time.”  In joy and excitement, I flung my arms wide and started toward Seth.  This is when he ran.  It was fun chasing Seth and proving him wrong.  I can not kiss him any time.  He’s fast.

                Seth drove me to Grand Island Saturday.  I enjoyed mentioning how wonderful the Island was.  Seth insists on looking at the road only and isn’t ready to read the road signs.  He told me we were not on an island at all.  It was true we did not see much water.  Grand Island is not like Hawaii.

                Adriel did several drawings for me this week and it is exciting to see our next book forming.  She also gave me a project from Art class.  Lucky I talked with her first.  Bobby said he wants it.  I’ll share – but it’s totally mine.

                Adriel didn’t have any band practice this week so she was out and about with friends a LOT.  She went out with three different groups of people Friday.  The minute she came home she was asking to go out again.  I remember being social but not that social!

                Bobby cooked potato pancaked this week in honor of Hanukkah.  It was yummy!  He also did a great lesson at youth group.  He was talking about how special the Virgin Birth was.  He asked the group, “What does it mean, ‘Mary was a Virgin?’”  One shouted out, “She was single.” 

                I enjoyed playing a board game with Bobby & the Fenn adults.  It’s super fun to enjoy each others company.

                Because I knew my dad wasn’t too busy I have been calling him for my home commute.  He is such an encouraging, refreshing person.  I am so loved.  I just haven’t always chosen to bask in that love.  I like chatting with my father.  This kind of reminds me of God.  He loves us as well.  It’s our choice to keep the conversation going.  So, I asked Dad, even though he is home (not in the hospital), can I still call him?  And he said yes.  How wonderful, to remember how loved we are and then to plug into that. 

                May we all remember to plug into God’s love.  May we read his love letter to us.  May we enjoy the grace he has given.  Much love J Cristy

12/3/18 Dad's getting better.

Dear Family,

          God continues to work in our lives.  Hard times do come but He is with us and continues to lift us up.  My dad is getting better daily.  He is still in the hospital.  I believe he either has Staph or Strep in his leg.  The pictures are gross but I do see progress.

            Seth was glad to see me Monday after school.  I had done some errands and almost went home when it started raining.  I decided to see if Seth was walking.  He was and enjoyed the partial ride home since the rain was coming down hard.  He thanked me.  That was sweet.

            I was excited and nervous to hear Seth wanted to join the Youth Group for an all-nighter.  In the past, he has not enjoyed being with people that long.  I was happy and surprised Saturday morning when Seth came home chipper.  He said, “I’m not tired.”  He stayed up all day and seemed none the worse for it.  I did feel nervous having him drive me for an hour when he hadn’t slept for 34 hours.  He did fine.  He was a little more wired and yawned a couple of times.  It was OK!  He did go to bed at 9 Saturday night but even now – he’s not tired!??? 

            Seth even said his toe feels better.  He was getting an ingrown toenail.  We figured out the cure was to soak it.  I brought out my foot massager/foot bath.  He took one look at that and said, “No, I won’t use that.  I would rather have surgery than lose my reputation.”

            Adriel remains very sweet.  She wants more hours at her job.  She has also been looking into getting another job to see if they would have more or better hours.  She wants to buy a car and make enough money to move out.  She is independent and that is good.

            Awards night for Marching Band was interesting.  It is fun to see the kids excited about their year.  The slideshow is a blast. 

            Bobby thanked me for helping out at youth group Tuesday night.  He also led the Senior high group on an overnighter party in the Gresham area.  I am glad he did not need me.  I think staying up past seven PM is torture and don’t do torture well.

            May you be able to see God’s hand in your life as the days fall down like leaves of a tree.  May you be glad to know the creator of the Earth.  May you feel as loved as you truly are.

Hugs,

Cristy