5/31/21

 

Dear Family,

Celebrating milestones is so important and wonderful.  I enjoy taking time off to enjoy.  Bobby and I will be married 25 years June 1^st so we took some days off before memorial weekend to enjoy the beach without crowds.  We had delightful walks, wonderful talks and enjoyed being together.  The beach is beautiful.  Shopkeepers are kind.  Our love for each other is growing.

One Hiking spot was super cool.  With a name like, ‘Hobbit Trail’ we couldn’t resist, just the name itself is fun.  The hike had moss over tree limbs and was a short trip to the beach.

In town, we enjoyed meeting a like-minded Christian who loved Bobby’s Boba Fett shirt and our matching ‘Among us’ game masks.  He was so personable.  After we left Bobby contacted a mutual friend to give their greetings from afar.

The next day we rejoiced to have a rainy morning so we could relax inside, play games, and work on a puzzle.  It is satisfying that we do puzzles the same and use teamwork.

Meanwhile, back home, Skyra brought in a live bird.  Seth sent an alarming picture of said bird inside our house on the window ledge.  We wondered what happened and this brings a great analogy to mind.  Seth put the cat on time out and let the bird flutter against the window until it was exhausted.  Then Seth picked the bird up and put it outside.  Sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves before God can help us.  We need to, “Be still and know that He is God.”  Psalm 46:10.  He’ll wait until we are ready.

            Bobby and I are happy to be home.  Upon arrival, Adriel sat and talked with us while she ate the food we brought her by special request (Hawaiian time).  We are always glad the house didn’t burn down while we were gone.

Bobby enjoyed visiting with his Nephew and Niece.  The Fischer’s (Dad and 2 of 4 kids) were in the Portland area for Braeden's baseball game.  I am glad they enjoyed their time together.

Bobby and Seth were glad to eat the eggs I made Saturday evening.  Adriel was glad to eat the pasta I made Sunday evening.  We have all the ingredients, just needed to put it together.  I Love cozy cuddling.  I also love our daily routine at home.  It is such a blessing to have peace and joy. 

May you also have peace and joy with those you live with.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

5/24/21

 Dear Family,

 

                I almost didn’t write blessings this week because my list was so boring I felt like going to sleep.  Now that my nap is over I feel called to write because it is my act of worship.  God’s call is that I might praise Him by sharing the way he has blessed us.  I also wonder if these are days I will miss.   These are my “good old days” filled with peace – grateful silence and happy purring.

                Bobby made three meals this week and we enjoyed each one.  The Salsa Verde was not as hot as Bobby is but still quite amazing. 

                Bobby is pleased with youth group and says so.  He enjoys the crowd and loves good attendance.

                I was also blessed to hear that after Youth Sunday last week one of the children chose to usher this last Sunday.  He was so adorable Bobby had to take a picture.

                Adriel was ecstatic to sell her car and is pleased to have me drive her to work.  I am tickled to drive her.  I love her company and am very glad to have the motivational push to get out of the house and into town where Instacart batches are better than at our West Salem home (away from the stores).

                Seth mowed the lawn and even pulled a weed that was on the side.  I am tickled pink that he does the job well. 

                Looking back on what I have written I see the week has been one of progress, slight change, and good things.  God is good.  He brings us closer to Him.  Helps us mature and find grace for each other. 

                May you also find joy in looking back and choosing to give God the praise.  He holds us together.  We are glad to be in His care.  Much Love, Cristy

5/17/21

 

Dear Family,

 

            What a momentous week.  Bobby worked very hard and I am so pleased with the results.  How fun to hear him announce, “For the first time ever, I present, Roman and Emily Kleiber!”  I love the giddy joy on their radiant faces and I remember that feeling very well.  So exciting!

            I enjoyed getting to know some groomsmen better – the rehearsal dinner was lovely.  Hearing answers to, “How did you meet Roman,”  brought fond, wonderful camp memories.  I found out Tapawingo isn’t just a place to meet God.  Three generations of Oehlers met their spouses there.  Woah! 

            Bobby continues to feel excited about the youth group and had an amazing youth Sunday.  Their energy fills the auditorium!

            I am so glad his ankle is getting better.  He still raises it in the evening with an ice pack.  The other day he tried to get me to put my hand on his ankle and use my hand like an ice pack.  Ha, ha, very funny.

            I also owe Bobby big time.  He is refusing things on my behalf.  I am not a collector of anything that needs to be dusted or does not have a working purpose.  Clutter is put away as soon as I get my hands on it and I have heard, “Don’t touch my stuff,” many times.  I like empty countertops, table, shoe rack by the front door for guests (not all our shoes!), and empty windowsills.  Yes, I owe Bobby big time.

            Seth enjoys memorizing verses with me.  He does a better job at it and likes that.  My brain tries – it really does. 

            Seth was not impressed by our wedding present.  It was not useful, it was decorative only and looked cheap to him.  I insisted it was on the registry and had to explain what that was. Although he does not want to get married he said, If I ever register I’ll only put one thing on the registry and it will be worth $1,000. 

            Earlier this week Bobby and I enjoyed a game night with friends.  How fun to be with people, test our wits and enjoy.

            Adriel washed her car this week by hand.  I am impressed by her constant cleaning and desire for good smells.  She was very sweet on Sunday when I wasn’t feeling 100%.  She held my hand at church and gave me a ride home. 

            May your family also be kind to you when you are under the weather.  May you find joy in all you encounter and strength in knowing our Lord Jesus.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

5/10/21

Dear Family,

 

            I am thankful for you.  You formed my personality, were friends in my childhood hood and made me the person I am today.  I love all my cousins and am glad to have known you for all these years.  How fun to know people my whole life, how fun to be known.

            Bobby and I had an interesting hike down to Abiqua Falls on Monday.  When we were 15 minutes from the falls Bobby twisted his ankle and it swelled up immediately.  We contemplated walking the 2 miles up right away.  But, because I blog (among other things) Bobby said, “Let’s do it, let’s hike down first then back up.”  So we did.  The pace changed drastically from a meandering journey of exploration to a frantic, ‘let’s get this over’ trek.  We did it – and got a couple good pictures. 

            Bobby came home Wednesday night very excited about youth group and Seth.  Seth was thoughtful in his prayer and this blessed Bobby’s heart.

            Bobby wasn’t feeling well Saturday and Seth took care of him while I was working.  Seth can be compassionate and thoughtful.

            Seth rode his Bicycle to church Sunday morning.  I gushed and said, “You’re so cool.”  His dry response, “Not really,” had me chuckling.  I wasn’t cool either.

            Mothers day was wonderful for me.  We planned it while the town had closed restaurants.  I shop Costco 2-5 times a day for Instacart and have been wanting to try out some of their easy to prepare meals.  I took the budget that we would have spent going out and used it on several meals, a box of 40 ice cream (for $14.99!), snacks, and treats.  I love a good deal so was excited when I got home.

            The family was wary of the meals.  Seth and I ate some of the first one Saturday night and loved it.  Yum!  Adriel and Bobby didn’t want any.  Sunday lunch I reheated cheese and green chili tamales.  The family tried it and were very kind.  “Thanks for making the food.”  Means – “Please don’t make it again, we can only compliment the work that went into it.” 

            Adriel’s comment, “Well at least you haven’t changed.”  Further investigation brought, “What weird food are we having today?”  Yup, 5-year-old Adriel hit it on the nose.  I liked the food but the rest of the family was kind and tolerant.  They do like the snacks and ice cream though so I’m calling it a win.  Also – they complied with an updated family picture.  Yay!

            Adriel brought me out to Starbucks and bought me candy.  She is fine with and enjoys giving gifts.  Time on the other hand is stretching it.  She is fun, I love her and her cameo appearances.

            Adriel is excited about her recent car purchase.  It’s a Nissan Versa 14 years newer than the car she has now and has good miles.  She enjoyed the price negotiations and is pleased as a pickle.

            Seth mowed the lawn.  I am so blessed when I look outside and see a beautiful lawn.   He is a great son.

            May you find strength in our Lord Jesus, may you find joy in all you do.  May the sun lift your heart and the rain bless your garden.  Much love,

 

Cristy

5/3/21

 Dear Family,

             Pastor Marcus has been preaching against health and wealth theology.  At first, I thought, “Boring” because I don’t collect or hoard.  Then I felt convicted and am.  It’s ridiculous.  I feel silly.  But here it is.  I felt convicted to fast from the game Pokémon Go because I had played too much.  I want to take captive every thought – put my focus more on heavenly things than on Earthly and let go of all that hinders.  I don’t know what that means after the fast is over.  I do know if I was fasting from food I would eat afterward.  I also know that I had a lot more time last week than those before and I liked that.  I do want to still play the game because it is fun.  I don’t want to live for the game though.  So – may I “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided.”  (Matthew 6:33)  I definitely do not want to neglect family, friends, or my kitty.  So even though it’s a weird take – I am thankful for the leading of the Holy Spirit as our Pastor preaches what God leads him to preach.  And, no, the family didn’t notice (or care) I was not playing.  It’s all internal.

            Bobby and the kids were excited to watch a movie Monday, April 26^th because it was a special day.  I don’t know why – I just went to bed early.  It was fun to hear their excitement and joy to be together.

            Bobby made several yummy meals this week.  We enjoyed eating together and had great conversation.  I thought “I should write this down!”  But never did and now I can’t remember the great things Seth said to make us laugh. 

            Seth was not impressed by the drones he is learning to use at school so he bought one and had it shipped to our house.  Bobby wants to play with it.  Seth said, “No”, he won’t open the box at home – it’s for school.  The box remains sealed until Tuesday.

            Adriel makes the cutest puppy dog eyes.  I will probably do anything for her if she uses that mutant ability.

            Adriel got her ears pierced.  I didn’t want to do it to her as a baby and she never mentioned it.  Now she is happy with her new look.

            I like that when Adriel sits next to me at church she can be cuddly if she is too cold or hot.  Somehow I am the opposite and she likes stealing my heat or warming me up.

            I am thankful for the prayers of new friends.  In stores, we see each other seconds at a time and it builds up.  I enjoyed a quick stop as I was on the go.  Praying is beautiful and hugs are the best!

            May you find chance encounters to be an uplifting blessing.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy