12/28/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Adriel seemed upset when she looked at our manger scene on the 20^th.  “Why is Jesus in the manger?”  Half of the people understood why this was so wrong.  The other half were a bit confused until we explained that tradition.  “He wasn’t born yet.”  It was fun for Adriel to also admit that we don’t know the real birthdate exactly anyway.  I did have to smile about all the confusion.

               During dinner, Bobby’s sister seemed to be choking a little.  She whispered to Bobby, “Hit me.”  Bobby gladly came over and thumped her a couple of times.  Finally, she was able to swallow better.  Bobby said, “It’s not often I get to hit my sister.”

               Bobby and I celebrated Christmas day with the Duval family.  I requested ahead of time to take photos of individual families because I have been praying for them with pictures from before Sam was born, 17 years ago.  They complied and now I have shiny new pictures to use.  How fun that one family wanted to recreate the old picture, closed eyes and all.  That’s why I have posted the Kuykendall photo.  They have such a fun spirit in them.

               Seth stayed home with a cough and Adriel enjoyed working at the Skate shop.  She said it had the, “Perfect Christmas vibes, Very mellow.”  They grilled steak, hotdogs and burgers.  Yum!

               Work on Friday was nice and went quickly.  I truly enjoyed contemplating Jesus birth this year with friends during our break time.  We brought to the table thoughts like, “Did you know the shepherds were probably not men, they were teen boys or even younger.  Can you imagine the excitement they brought to the manger?”  “I feel so sorry for Mary, her mom wasn’t there during the birth.  I was really glad my mom was present.”  (One person said Mary’s mother was dead – the catholic tradition.)  I was thinking they had a broken relationship.  Either way, how sad that the Bible doesn’t mention any grandparent relationship between Jesus and Mary or Joseph’s parents.  Also. some celebrate the Solstice as the day the wise men visited and this was the first time non-Jewish people were introduced to the Christ Child.  Such wonder and excitement Mary must have felt.  Such mixed emotions as they were turned away for no room in the inn. 

I remember while checking into the hospital leaning over a bit and someone said, “Get her off the carpet.”  Poor Mary – the Innkeepers might have only been thinking of the mess she was going to make.  Did she have a Dr. or a midwife?  No mention – but she did have God and the knowledge that Jesus wasn’t just going to thrive as a baby – he was going to rule the world as an adult.  I might not have brought Adriel to the emergency room for her first cold if I knew she was destined to grow up queen. 

               So many of our own child bearing stories weave into the day Jesus was born.  We consider the depth of first time parenthood and feel with and for Mary.  Oh, what a hard time.  May you also weave your stories in with His.  May you find joy as you consider God’s hand in your life through Christ and may you rejoice that He did it!  Our Lord came to earth.  Wow,

 

 

Love and hugs, Cristy

              

Merry Christmas!!

 

Hello!                                                                                                      12/25

 

I’ll try not only to update you about our year but to share the funny parts of our lives in this Christmas letter.

Seth continues to work as a custodian and do school full time.  Adriel has two jobs although the law office job has picked up to full time and the Commonwealth skateboard shop has less hours.  Bobby continues to work as a youth pastor.  We have been at West Hills for over 18 years.  I enjoy working for the Employment department very much and volunteering with our church and the Union Gospel Mission thrift store.

And now, on to the entertainment:

Several things have been endearing with Seth.  I do have a perpetual popcorn bowl that I like to keep full.  One day Seth texted with, “I think I ruined the popcorn.”  This interested me and he responded that he had added butter.  I immediately thought of how popcorn sometimes melts when you pour butter on it and assured him, he was fine.  I just thought it was sweet of him to be concerned.

   Another incident was his concern about fraud on his card with an Amazon purchase.  “Mom, did you use my card on Amazon yesterday?”  I did not, so I thought he should report the fraud.  Later that day, “False alarm – it was a return.”  There are so many firsts in life.  It’s interesting to be part of Seth’s as he is a young adult. 

One of our former youths made my day by asking if I liked his new tattoo and sending a picture of something quite hideous.  I hedged and was at work, so I didn’t say yay or nay.  I did ask clarifying questions.  Given enough time, I was happily surprised with, “APRIL FOOLSSSSSSSSS.  I didn’t actually get that tattoo.”  I had a great laugh and shared the story with coworkers who were also quite appreciative.  Ahhh – to laugh.

   I knew Seth wouldn’t appreciate a story, so when I got home, I bared my ankle and asked if he liked my tattoo.  When he looked and said, “I can’t see it,” I said, “It’s very tiny.”  As he was looking closer, I whispered, “April fools.  I love you.”  I got a smile out of him, and that was super fun. 

   Seth helped so much to make our yard beautiful this summer.  I appreciated his efforts immensely.  Our yard is manageable this year, yeah!!  Since Seth put hours into the yard I haven’t cried once because it was overwhelming.  Seth even swept our sidewalk.  It was so beautiful!  I then had time to take my wheel barrel and clean up two or three other blocks on Wallace that were trashy.  I bicycle every day and want to live in a clean neighborhood.  During that task I saw a lovely lady from church and had several amazing interactions with neighbors.  I felt so loved, blessed and happy to live exactly where I live. 

   Adriel was a camp counselor for a couple of weeks.  She was a one on one (or helped two at a time).  She had some wonderful weeks and has a new appreciation for caregiving and camp in general.

   Bobby came home early from his 100 mile hike this summer for an entirely different reason than past hikes.  No tent malfunctions, fire, or extreme mosquitoes.  This time they simply hiked faster than expected. How fun.  Bobby was home just in time to help Seth spread gravel.  He was so excited about that. 😉.

    I asked for and received a very short hair cut in the summer.  I love it because it bugs me when hair gets into my face or eyes.  Bobby wasn’t very happy – he did pray that it would grow fast.  Seth doesn’t care but I told him he could at least say, “Nice haircut.”  Bobby said, “You can say, ‘You are still pretty.’”  It’s funny how our outward appearance does affect others.  Care or not we can notice and be nice about it or mean.  I mostly don’t care about what it looks like.  My hair is going to be crazy no matter what kind of cut I have.

I had a fun moment with Seth.  My friend had texted saying she wanted to pick me up early for a woman’s retreat trip.  I mentioned that I was coming home and expected to leave in half an hour BUT if she wanted to help unload groceries, I would love her company.  She said she was coming right over.  When I got home, I asked Seth to help unload groceries and he was in the middle of something, as usual.  I mentioned it was OK; my friend was coming over to help.  He untangled himself from his computer work and was beginning to help when my friend came in.  Seth was curious.  “Did she come over just to help unpack groceries?”  I said, “Yes” and he was a bit confused.  Then I said, “Nah, you can take over.” And he did.  It was fun to see him pondering the situation. 

I am so glad that I was evaluated for allergies this year.  It was a much better prognosis than being allergic to Bobby or our cat.  I am more allergic to dust mites than anything else.  Cats – a little.  Now we can manage my allergies quite easily – since we know what to do.  Yay!!  I think the allergist found me amusing.  I told him that if I was allergic to cats I must be allergic to dogs as well because I don’t want a dog.  He said, “That’s not how it works.”  Drat.

I commented on how cool Adriel’s pants were and she mentioned that she had sewn the part I liked on.  How cool is that?!! Adriel and I enjoyed sewing projects when she was a child – we didn’t ever follow a pattern – we just had fun with extra cloth and made things.  We have a picture of little Seth hugging something she made for him.  I really love that Adriel is continuing the tradition!  I even felt inspired to alter a Rooted sweatshirt.  It turned out well.  The sleeves have thumb holes and are thinner now.  I love my very old, newly remodeled sweatshirt.  It’s not just cool, it’s better than new to me.  I’m thankful for Adriel’s inspiration.

All this fun and silliness brings me to the most important point.  We are free because of others sacrifice.  We are free to live in peace because soldiers have fought for this freedom.  Bobby is free to be a pastor because Jesus gave his life.  We are free to not sin because Jesus’ death made it possible.  Such gratefulness wells in my heart when I share our stories.  Thank you for reading them.  Thank you for caring 😊.

Love and hugs,

 

 

 

 

Cristy VanKleek

cvankleek@yahoo.com

and my Monday blog is https://vankleekblessings.blogspot.com/ )

 

12/21/25

 

Dear family,

 

               Caroling can be fun.  I enjoyed singing with the Middle Schoolers last Tuesday and the High schoolers last Wednesday.  We went to pre-planned houses.  Bobby does all the work getting times and places lined up on lists for two groups to go out to.  I enjoy his organization and the delight in the people we visit.  Although it really doesn’t matter if we are on tune or not some youth were not OK with one visit.  Some were in one key and others were in another.  Oh the horror.  So one person got a pitch pipe on their phone but didn’t know what pitch we should sing to.  It was an interesting conundrum.  I am glad they do care. 

               Bobby and I did enjoy a date last Saturday.  I am glad we talked about our future and that the future is bright.  We will have a fun anniversary trip in May.  Thirty years of marriage is a big deal.

               Although I normally don’t talk about work I do have to include several funny instances.  I was leaving a message to a claimant asking them to contact us by four means to fix their address.  It’s a long message with good information.  In the middle of doing this someone started rolling a cart behind me.  This startled me so much that I made a very loud scared voice as I was leaving the message.  I completed the message fine with an, “Sorry, my coworker scared me.”  Yet the office was in a fit of giggles and that is worth mentioning.

               While I am at it there is another fun mention.  I was talking with a co-worker about how the sun is out (even though it was a cloudy day).  She is originally from Arizona and said, “That . . is . . not . . the sun.”

               Bobby had us try out my ring light before the family came over (this years Christmas family pictures will have good lighting by golly!).

He was so impressed he bought one for the youth group.  How fun to have a photo op for the party.  Not only that the gift exchange, cookie decorating, games and random prizes were much appreciated.  Yay!  I loved seeing some fun interactions, happy smiles and good times.  I’ll have to say it, the food was fantastic as well.

               Adriel and Seth both had finals so not much talk last week.  This week they were on break so, YAY!  More time to concentrate on family for the holidays.  We had a lovely celebration this Saturday.  We enjoy a wonderful meal with hominy from dad, rolls from mom and cookies, cake and candy included.  Bobby cooked ham, scalloped potatoes, salad and lots of asparagus with bacon.  Sooo delicious!  I am very glad we enjoy getting together.  It is fun to get family pictures.

               Seth and Caren did have a silly incident.  She decided to pick a fight with him since he is a bit under the weather with a cold.  She said she can take him on and was egging him on enough that he said, “You think you can take me on?”  He stood up and said, “Stand up then.”  This was met with a bunch of “Ohhhh’s” from us and general laughter.  Caren had to mention how much she loves Seth’s dry sense of humor.  Good times.

               May you also delight in your Christmas interactions.  May your time with friends or family fill your heart full to the brim.  May you find time to focus on Jesus’ birth and the fact that poor Mary was rejoicing in circumstances when she could have been in a confused state of hardship.  Traveling, on a donkey, while pregnant without your mom around.  Harsh.  I really enjoyed my mother around for both pregnancies.  Anyway, may you be glad that God loves us so much.

               Love and hugs,

 PS the picture is of Caren and I both 50 years old this year.  Go us!!

12/7/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               The business of this season can be overwhelming.  I want to do so much!!  I’m sure you also have opportunities to be overwhelmed.  I’m so glad I also can say, “No.” It may feel impossible to keep up but we can also let go and be at peace.  Decorating was fun – especially the youth room.  We had so many extra lights.  Both of our parents gave us a lot of lights.  I even had enough to share with Adriel.  She and her roommate were delighted with the festive feeling.  I really enjoyed bringing her lights and some Chili Verde that Bobby made.  She is such a delightful person, and I enjoy her company very much. 

I commented on how cool Adriel’s pants were and she mentioned that she had sewn the part I liked on.  How cool is that?!! Adriel and I did enjoy sewing projects when she was a child – we didn’t really follow a pattern – we just had fun with extra cloth and made things.  We have a picture of little Seth hugging a something she made for him.  I really love that Adriel is continuing the tradition!  I even felt inspired to alter a Rooted sweatshirt.  It turned out well.  The sleeves have thumb holes and are thinner now.  I love my very old, newly remodeled sweatshirt.  It’s not just cool, it’s better than new to me.  I’m thankful for Adriel’s inspiration.

               Adriel also asked me for pictures of Uncle Cecils house.  She was trying to describe this one-day visit with someone who had a hobby of African safaris.  He had more museum than house.  It was quite amazing.  I sent her several pictures including the one above.  This is where we obtained Bruce the Rhino from.

               Middle school group was delightful as usual.  I did enjoy it when Bobby asked the youth to read.  Someone said, “I have the passage.”  After a pause Bobby said, “Why don’t you read it?”  The person said, “I don’t like reading.” 

               Bobby was telling the middle schoolers that our next event (singing carols) would bring joy to the elders of the church.  Someone had to tease a girl named Joy.  “Here is Joy, we present you to the elders.”  He, he, he.

               The high School group was energetic and fun.  They were trying to fill in the blanks but one was a little late to the table.  Bobby had moved from, “Christmas is busy with . . . Shopping, P_ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Presents), F _ _ _.  He was trying to give a hint for the last one.  “What is the best Christmas food?”  Someone shouted out, “Friends!”  That was a fill in the blank for something Christmas is busy with – the timing though – well – Friends are not good for eating. 

               I enjoy laughing so much.  May you delight with me in our young people and in life in general.  Thank you for reading as I record the fun things God is doing in and around our world.  Love and hugs,

 

 

 

Cristy

Thanksgiving blessings

 Dear Family,

              Sometimes Bible reading can be quite entertaining.  Psalm 22 is anything but boring when someone reads, 22:9, “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s boobies.”  This brought much delight and laughter.  Breast has never been interpreted so fun.

Any prayer request that starts with, “That my girlfriend” – might be an announcement.  Bobby was intrigued – “This is the first I have heard of your girlfriend! Is she nice? (Yes), does she live near? (Yes), Is she a Christian? (Yes).  Well, OK then.”  We may have moved on but having a girlfriend was mentioned several times.  This person’s sister and cousin were both rolling their eyes.  “I think that prayer request was all about letting everyone know he has a girlfriend.”  How daring 😉.  How funny.  And that was just last weeks Sunday School.

This last week Bobby took time off to rest from some hectic times.  He also prepared to drive us to the Seattle area and back for Thanksgiving festivities with my parents, sister, Uncle and a new addition I hope to see often.  Doug’s brother Jimmy is such a sweet, gentle and kind person. 

We had a great time and laughed so many times and our hearts were filled.  Some things I recall.  “There’s a lazy Susan over there.” “Poor Susan, she got a bad wrap.”  There is a drawing game that we enjoy playing together.  We delight when a flamingo turns into a dancer or a tuxedo turns into a broken shoulder.  It’s fun to see how drawings and guesses can be so wrong. 

Enjoying my parent’s company is always a blessing.  They hang on our every word and are so loving.  Mom also makes amazing turkey, stuffing and cranberry Jello.  Everyone contributed something and I enjoyed eating some leftovers the next day.

Bobby drove us safely home and I it’s great to have time to not only write this but decorate and prepare for the holidays.  We had Sunday school again and it was fun to keep reading Psalms.  Psalm 45:17 started out a little rough when someone read, “I will perpetrate” instead of, “"I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever".  Bobby had to correct them – “There’s a big difference.”

May you also decide to share God’s word through those around you and that come behind you.  (Instead of perpetuating anything: intend to commit or carry out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.) Warmly,

 

Cristy