7/25/22

 Dear Family,

                Seth has been pulling weeds, picking raspberries, and mowing the lawns.  I don’t think he ever got our colds!  I have begun hugging him again.  Yay!

                Bobby has been resting and talking less.  We did play another new board game.  It was fun.  I enjoy cooperative games over ones you can defeat and undermine each other so it’s a keeper.  I am glad Bobby has been around this week.  I appreciate his company.  He may have a slight lingering cough, but I think he’s all better now.

                I also feel better.  I called the Dr. on Monday, but my symptoms were getting better.  There was no point in going in for a visit.  There is nothing they would give me to help.  For me, this cold has been worse than COVID.  Although Covid came with sore muscles it only lasted a couple days.  This has lasted two weeks, and I am sad my friends wouldn’t meet with me.  It is sad how scared we all are of sickness.  I believe I am at 95% now with my regular energy and only an annoying cough a couple times a day.

We had the youth group over to watch Big Hero 6.  My favorite part was when the robot called itself a soft, friendly health care provider (or something similar).  A teen behind me said, “Just like my dad.”  And that made me laugh.

                Going to the rehearsal dinner for Bronson’s wedding was very enjoyable.  There is excitement in the air!  Celebrating love is wonderful.  We are so glad for the entire Kleiber family as they are taking the next step in growing their family by addition.  How fun to share stories, get to know old friends even better, and see people grow up.  We have known Bronson since he was a young teen.  The wedding was an exciting culmination of a lot of hard work.  I enjoyed spending time with friends and seeing Bronson and Madisyn get married.

                Adriel wanted to do a girl’s night this week and it was delightful that she wants to spend time with me.  She enjoys hearing my version of our past and is very loving.  I don’t mind remembering things with her.  It is fun to talk about their childhood. 

                May you also delight in good memories.  May your heart be full when you think of the times your love was reciprocated.  May you be filled with God’s love every day you read your Bible.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

 

7/29/22

 Dear Family,

 

          Sharing is caring unless it’s a cold.  Having Bobby’s cold is not fun.  I know we will all get better.  God is our healer.  Meanwhile please continue to pray for healing as Bobby is talking about going to the Dr. again, and I have had to leave work early because I was coughing so much.  Ick! 

          Adriel came over to do laundry and it was nice seeing her.  She declared that hugs are allowed because we both have the same thing.  She also gave Bobby four hugs on Sunday.  He counted, yes four!  Bobby feels special.

          We are all keeping our distance so Seth doesn’t get it.  I cooked with a mask on and hope that worked.  Seth has been picking raspberries and even accompanied me to pick on Tuesday.  It gets warm by 7am so that or earlier is a good time to pick.  Seth continues to help with dishes and be a kind loving soul from a distance.

          When Bobby cooks it is usually too much.  I end up freezing some and sometimes feel frustrated when we have so much frozen food.  Enter weeks of camp.  We are well taken care of.  I do cook to get rid of extra ingredients but am delighted at how much amazing food we have at our fingertips.  We are so blessed by Bobby even when he is away.  Bobby is back for now with no voice, stories of joy, and yummy bread.  It is good to have him home.

          May you also rejoice when loved ones come close.  May you find peace in the relationships you have.  May you give joy to all you know.  Love,

 

 

Cristy

PS Adriel sent over some photos from her visit with cousins.  Wish I could have gone but I'm not feeling well so didn't get to.

7/11/22

 Dear Family,

 

            Spending time with the Duval/Kuykendall’s for the 4^th of July was fabulous.  Watching their kids grow up with ours and now seeing a grandchild brings joy to my heart.  It is a blessing to be accepted and loved.

            Adriel came over the other night and we had a lovely conversation.  Both her and Bobby are worn out and have a cold.  Hopefully, by the time you read this, they will have gotten better.  Their tendency to push their bodies beyond the limits – well, who knows if that will ever stop.

            Adriel felt well enough to ask me out to lunch and I enjoyed spending time with her.  She is growing, learning, and loving. 

            Seth continues to be a blessing.  He does dishes, pulls weeds, and mowed the lawn this week. 

            Bobby pushes through his sickness.  This happens every year so it comes as no surprise that he gets sick after camp.  Every year he also gets better.  I know he will be fine.  We are both glad for Mr. Waldie who suggested he come to urgent care after Bobby’s prayer request for healing came out in an e-mail.  Yay for antibiotics and codeine.

            May you delight in the warmth of the sun on your face (after applying sunscreen of course).  May you find strength in knowing how much you are loved.  May you forgive not only for your own freedom but because you have been fully forgiven yourself.  Oh to feel the joy of having no burdens!  Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy  

Happy 4th!

 Dear Family,

 

                I am thankful for how sweet Adriel is when she comes over to do laundry.  She does want me to put her clothes in the dryer which is not hard.  Ulterior motives aside I am thankful for her sweet loving spirit.

                Seth continues to be kind about my cooking and loving when he sees me.  I delight in my own lasagna.  Yay for cheese!  I am glad he helps pick raspberries and doesn’t mind giving a hug or two a day.  He even tried to do a cracking hug and I appreciate his efforts.

                Because Seth was offered some free death insurance thru the bank I brought up that it would cover funeral costs.  He was adamant he doesn’t want a funeral.  “Just put me in a box somewhere . . or donate my body to science . . or throw me to the wolves.  That way we can recycle me.”  I love the way he thinks.  It cracks me up how similar we are. 

                Bobby is home from camp again.  This time for a whole week.  It is nice to see him and enjoy his camp stories and pictures.  He has good times and I am glad he helps others get to know God better as well. 

                May you find joy in God’s bountiful harvest.  May you find peace in His overwhelming love.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy VanKleek