3/29/21

 

Dear Family,

 

How fast time flies!  Spring marks beauty everywhere and joy in our hearts.  May the newness in the air give you great joy and knowledge that everything changes and this is good.

Bobby and I had a great walk this week.  I enjoy his company and am glad he enjoys mine.

One night this week I went to bed very content.  The family was chatting and enjoying themselves.  I was too tired to participate but very glad everyone was getting along, alive, and happy.

Adriel is inspired to run and run longer than ever before.  She started out at 3 miles maybe a couple weeks or a month ago.  This week she walked and ran 5 miles in one stretch.  You go, girl!

Adriel mentioned that it’s hit or miss when it comes to having a crazy couponer for a mom.  Sometimes I bring weird stuff home because it was free and sometimes I bring home wonderful free things.  She was delighting in a free chocolate bar most recently.

Smile-A-Mile Painting company is painting our house and it looks great.  It is not done yet, but we love the deep red color.  Yay for the Schirman Williams app that helped us pick it out.  Paint chips do colors no justice when it comes to the exterior – in the sun.

I am grateful for hugs.  I am thankful for those willing to hug me and for God giving them to us in the first place.

Here is my pretend hug to you, my family.  May you enjoy God’s beauty today and the knowledge that he came to save us from sin.  Much Love,

 

 

Cristy

3/22/21

 

Dear Family,

 

Toothpaste in my eye.  Seth had this question.  Should there be concern if he accidentally flung toothpaste in his eye?  We asked if it hurt and he said he washed his eyes and there is no longer pain.  I told him he was fine.  I also put things where they don’t belong.  My ears itched so I added anti-itch powder and it felt sooooo good.  This did not impress the Dr. and they had to irrigate. 

Seth does not like Siracha chocolate-covered almonds.  I quote, “Nothing is satisfying about them.  There is only pain.”

Adriel was accepted to the Honors College at Portland State University.  I assumed she would move to Portland and immediately cried.  She on the other hand wants to know more about the scholarships and is undecided.  Please pray for her to have wisdom as she does want to finish college but does not want to have an online experience.

            Adriel’s friend came over with food.  It was very sweet of her and she was welcomed with open arms.  Yay for good friends.

            Adriel enjoyed talking with us Thursday night.  She prayed with us about college and desires wisdom and insight.

            I like that Adriel is happy to run.  She enjoys the end result and I am proud of her.

            Bobby and I had a lovely date this week.  I enjoyed yummy food (Arby’s) and playing Pokemon Go with him.   I enjoy his company and he even wrote a sweet note.  Sigh.  Isn’t old love great?

            Bobby cooked a ton this week and made several amazing meals.  Also, my job gave me some crab and Rib Eye steak so he enjoyed being creative with that.

            Bobby finished up the bark dust!  Yay – they can park in our driveway again.  My hero.  I was plugging away at it but I am so glad it’s done for now.

            Did you enjoy your St. Patrick's day?  I told Adriel to wear green and she said, “They aren’t going to pinch me at the law firm mom.”  Bobby said, “Yeah, they could sue.” 

            May you enjoy all you encounter.  May you find peace in your heart and may spring fill your heart with a fondness for mankind.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

PS isn't technology great?  Our house is cream now but we played with the Sherwin Williams color program and have decided on red!

3/15/21

 

Dear Family,

 

Naps make everything better, especially daylight savings time.  I got up from my Sunday nap and the kids were laughing and talking.  How pleasant that they were enjoying each other's company.  I love being well-rested!  I am so thankful for my bed and warm house.

The whole family has pitched in with a load of bark dust I bought.  Each at their own time they have put in a dent.  It’s still there after a week, only 1/3 left to do. 

Youth group and homegroup were both nice.  I enjoy being with Bobby and experiencing God together with others.

Bobby is happy with a TV handed down to us by a friend.  Seth and I are both weirded out by it.  Why change something that is still working?  But, since Bobby is usually right, we will probably grow to love it.

Adriel has been nice on some rides to work.  She is appreciative of the time it would save her VS bicycling or walking.

Thanks for taking the time to read my family.  I am blessed when I recall what God is doing in our lives.  He has given us so much.  The books I wrote I am now able to give to families with small children who, “Want to learn about saving kisses for as long as they can.”  I enjoy being a blessing.  May you also delight in doing the good works God created in advance for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10).  Much Love,

 

 

 

Cristy

 

3/8/21

 

Dear Family,

 

            To be viewed and loved – to be seen and heard.  This is what most of us want.  Or some of us want to be invisible.  Either way, poor Seth doesn’t have a choice – I still include him J.  Seth mowed the lawn this week.  I am glad he takes on some of the household chores.  His laugh is contagious. I enjoy Seth's company and joy as we watch silly shows together.  Seth is also strong.  He helped Adriel bring her new bed frame upstairs while Bobby and I were gone.  Yay!

            I wish I was faster with the camera.  The cat was sitting on Seth’s chair and he opted to sit on the edge of it rather than disturb her.  He’s so sweet and gentle sometimes.

            Adriel said, “Rabbits” first on the first of the month to the entire family individually.  She won and did a cute jig in her joy.

            Adriel’s car needed repair.  She researched automotive companies in Salem, looked up their reviews, and chose someone I have never heard of.  This is good – she is branching out.  I’ll admit my knee-jerk reaction was to wonder out loud why she didn’t choose my favorite shop.  Yet, considering all the effort she went to figure it out – yes, she did great. 

            Adriel put her bed together without help from Bobby or I.  Impressive.  She is growing up and I enjoy watching.  She also cleaned the Bathrooms without complaining to me.  Yay!

            While her car wasn’t available I enjoyed driving her to work.  She is chatty and appreciative.  Who could ask for more? 

            We had a wonderful family talk about politics.  Adriel is chagrined that we didn’t present her with more news as she was growing up.  She wishes she knew more about what is going on in the world and told us we sheltered her.  Actually, I was sheltering myself.  Bobby also doesn’t like watching politics because there are hard and strong opinions on both sides within the church.  This is an area where he chooses to be diplomatic instead of hard-nosed.  Adriel is doing her own research and I am glad she is making her own opinions.  Go Adriel.

            Bobby made several delicious meals.  I enjoy his abilities and efforts.  He continues to lead youth group well and make our bed daily. 

Bobby did say he feels sorry for the almonds that were milked to make my Almond Milk.  That did give me a chuckle.

May you enjoy those you encounter this week.  May you find wonder in each flower starting to bloom.  May the newness and anticipation of more be spirit-lifting.  Much Love,

 

 

Cristy

PS a picture of our kitty because she is adorable.

3/1/21

 Dear Family,

 

            Peace is something we all crave, enjoy, and rest in.  Peace comes from right relationships and trusting in God.  I am glad our family has peace most of the time.  Sometimes I might disturb that by asking the family to clean bathrooms or mow the lawn but otherwise, all is well.

            I enjoyed hearing happy laughter and conversation coming from Adriel’s room the other day.  It made me smile to know she is having fun with friends. 

            As I was in prayer group (zoom meeting) Adriel overheard, “Does anyone have a praise?”  She had to share her excitement about her new position at work and that feels more like an adult.  Her enthusiasm was lovely.

            Seth continues amuse.  I received an e-mail saying that opening a youth savings account would have a .5% rate!  When I brought it up he resisted based on not wanting to give out his information.  “What rate am I getting now?  How do you know they won’t just take the money?”  He scoffed at the e-mail’s validity.  We had to explain FDIC insurance, that I already have an account at this credit union and that this is much better than he is getting at .02%.  (Which I had to look up.)  He finally agreed. 

            Bobby cooked several wonderful meals this week.  I was willing to buy asparagus at $.88 a pound and he made it into a meal.  YUM! 

            Middle School Youth group seems to be getting bigger and bigger.  I am glad it’s in the gym because there would be no other way to social distance.  They are happy to play volleyball, sit at big tables, and invite friends. 

            Our homegroup continues to be a wonderful gathering.  I enjoy the comradery and encouragement.  One question was, “What is your influence in helping people be closer to God?”  Several people didn’t think they had any but the rest of the group figured it out for them.

            May you find joy in knowing others and meeting with them.  May those you encounter feel the love you are sending out.  May God fill you overflowing with peace, goodness, and joy.  Hugs,

 

 

 

Cristy

PS: Isn’t it great when people refer?  I have a mom’s group and asked about the best house painter.  They referred me to Captain America.  I took a screenshot and texted Bobby asking if I could call to get quotes.  Then I posted in a Pokemon Go group about something completely different accidentally using this image.

The POGO people had to know, “Who is Captian America?  What does he do?”  I thought this was funny and hope you do as well J