9/25/23

 Dear Family,

 

                God has given us built in parents who love us from the start, air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat and purpose.  He created us with purpose.  We are so truly blessed.

                This week Youth group started up again and it was very good to experience regular lessons, shorter games, and best of all, fun fill in the blanks.  You may try and guess this one after reading Psalm 33:6,8.  God is our C------, Our l---- should f--- and r----- God.  (The right answer will be at the bottom.)  I enjoyed Bobbys reaction when someone said, “Our lives should fail and reject God?  Hahahahahaha.

                Seth has been very helpful this week pruning and gathering dirt that moles have created.  He has been loving and receives hugs well.  I am glad to see him whenever I do.

                Adriel continues to be vivacious and lovely.  I enjoyed lunch and some thrift store shopping with her.  How fun that we both found something to enjoy.  I am glad for her perspective, love, and delight in meeting.

                May you also delight in those you love.  May you find meaning in the conversations you have and may you choose kindness in every interaction. 

                Please pray for us as our cat brought in one mouse a couple of weeks ago.  We have been purging, rearranging, and stressing over this unwelcome guest.  Our cat does nothing about it ☹.  Pray that the mouse runs out of the house and finds the great outdoors to be a better place to live.

                And the right answers are: God is our creator.  Our lives should fear and revere God.

                Thanks for your love and concern,

 

Cristy VanKleek

 

And thank you Julie Phillips for the lovely picture at the most recent baby shower we attended 😊.

 

9/18/23

 Dear Family,

 

                You are such a blessing to me.  I enjoy knowing words matter, even mine.  You reading these words makes them worth writing. 

At my work, so many songs play overhead.  I hear them, and some make me laugh.  “I don’t want to fight tonight so Ima let you be right.”  “I want a lover who won’t drive me crazy.”  There are so many songs about relationships – such a complicated affair God has for us down here.  I am glad that with God, all things are possible.  Even making it so that the people who used to drive you crazy don’t anymore.  It is wonderful to settle into relationships and find balance and great fellowship.

                Adriel moving out did help her relationship with us.  She appreciates us more.  She remains sweet and answers the phone to let me know she is OK even when she doesn’t have time to talk.  I appreciate her sweet attitude and desire to get out and do things.  She has flown the nest and is exploring the world around her.

                Seth getting a car helped him with independence.  He continues to help out in the yard, and I am so glad he is sweet and loving to us.  He drove himself to motorcycle class on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 7:30 AM.  He also rescued me when I locked my key in the car.  Yay Seth, my hero.

                Bobby visited his mom and sister this week.  I am glad he gets to do that.  I am glad they have a good relationship.  We also had the BBQ for Middle School and High School at Rich and Christine’s house this week.  What gracious hosts!  We are so blessed with their willingness to have so many people over.  I truly enjoyed the games the most.  Learning about each other is fun with the game Two Truths and a Lie.  We learned about people’s favorite colors, someone who was born with an extra finger, and many other fun random facts.

                One student was able to stump their sibling!  They put down that they had poured coffee on the family’s DVD player.  The sibling guessed something else and was chagrined when they were wrong.  After a minute or two of thinking out came, “Oh, that was me!”  good times.

                Bobby and I had a date at the local food carts.  I enjoy walking across the street for great food.  How fun to support local businesses and enjoy a tasty meal.  What joy there is in being close to fun places.

                May you delight in where God has placed you.  May you find joy in the people you encounter.  May you choose to follow God’s path and wisdom.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

                

9/11/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Bobby was still glowing with joy and happiness Monday morning after his party.  He hadn’t opened presents yet and there were all sitting there in their glory.  By the end of my workday, he had opened them and made a list.  Bobby remains joyous and feels so loved.  He’s writing thank you notes continually.

            Bobby made eggs and used up some of the onions.  I appreciate that, since cut onions make the fridge smell bad. He made mashed potatoes and gravy and enjoyed some days with his dad this week.  I am glad they could go fishing and be together.

            Seth continues to help with gardening.  He bought a car on Wednesday!  Yay!  I am so excited for him and glad he and Bobby found a car that will work.  This means he can make it across the bridge to college and his motorcycle driving class.  He also now has freedom to go anywhere and do anything.  The truck only went about a mile before it had to rest and think about going farther.

            Saturday night, while watching a Jason Bourne movie Bobby said, “I have a confession to make.  I’m not a CIA agent”. Seth replied with “Sounds like something a CIA agent would say, now I’m suspicious.”  I enjoy and delight in banter.

            Adriel continues to be alive and explores the world around her.  She has gotten quite adept at public transit, and I am glad she remains safe.

            May you also find fun safe ways to enjoy your surroundings.  May you delight in those you love.  May your faith grow as your prayer requests are answered.

 

            Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy

9/4/23

 

Dear family,

 

            Preparing for a big even takes time, thought and energy.  I have enjoyed getting ready for Bobby’s Birthday party.  He also, did a lot this week to prepare.  How fun to reach a milestone.  50 years is a long time to live with even longer to live more.

            This week Bobby cooked yummy Salisbury steak.  It was sooooo good.  I am glad Seth helps with leftovers, but sometimes not as glad – when something is that good, I do feel a little selfish 😉.  Bobby also cut up strawberries for some pound cake I made.  I like how he does the strawberries. 

            Seth mowed the lawn and helped with cleaning.  We looked at a car together and are learning a lot about what it takes to pick a good car.  We are glad for a friend who knows more about cars than we do.

            Adriel came over for the weekend.  She was pleasant and loving.  She also bought us Bobba tea at the food trucks nearby.  Yum!  I enjoy good conversations, hugs and how sweet she is.

            Grandpa VanKleek and Sandy visited Saturday.  It was nice to see them and go out to eat pizza with them. 

We enjoyed having so many people over for Bobby’s Birthday.  Thank you to all who came.  How fun to have people to celebrate with. 

May you find delight in all the pleasures God has bestowed on us.  May you choose joy even if you are facing trials.  Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy