Survival!

Dear Family,

                This week I survived so much and God protected us the entire way.   Seattle had a 4.5 earthquake – most of us slept through it.  I quietly walked under a hornet's nest – nothing happened.  Seth drove me to Kirkland, Washington, and back.  Someone almost ran us off the road.  They probably never saw us.  Seth did great in HOURS of traffic, and someone in front of us slammed on his breaks so much we thought his tire popped.  Seth has passed his Right of Passage trip!  Yay!!  I learned that Seth does not like the Cookie Monster voice on our Ways app.

                Seth also let me into his world when we listened to the soundtrack from “Gunpoint” and talked about the game. 

                Seth still had time this week to mow the lawn, pick raspberries and pack for camp.  Yay Seth!

                My parents in Kirkland were amazing hosts and even planned a guided tour of Digi Pen College as something to do.  WOW!  Imagine my surprise when I found out there is a college that sets up a team and has them complete a Video Game as part of their curriculum.  I didn’t know a college like this existed.  Seth didn’t know all colleges do not have the same model.  Wow, wow, wow.  Thanks, mom and dad!

                I also am thankful my sister took time out of her busy life to bring her four kids over for a fun walk and a great visit.  Although I have given up taking pictures of family events Anita still makes the effort and I am so blessed that she shared some pictures.  Thank you, Anita!

                Adriel bought herself a car!  Now she will have stories of her first car to tell her kiddos.  I remember mine.  I had to jump start it every time.  I would ask people if they wanted a ride.  They would say, “No, I don’t want to have to push!”  Then I would begin to beg.  I also remember changing the fuel line in class and smelling like diesel because the car was up on the hoist but still had gas in the tank (which poured out on the teacher and me).  Good times!

                Adriel continues to work full time.  I don’t see her much but I do love getting a hug when I do.

                Bobby and I went away for a night last week.  We enjoyed ourselves and Bobby was sweet enough to turn the car when I saw a rare Pokemon near.  “Ohh, turn left here!”  He was very kind and deferred to me many times. 

I enjoyed walking with Bobby and Rich last week.  They are great friends.

                May you enjoy the beautiful Summer days God is blessing us with.  May you find peace and encouragement in the tasks God has you do.  May you know I love you and God does too.  Hugs,

Cristy

Getting away!

Dear Family,

                We are free, independent and glad to be so.  I love celebrating the 4^th of July!  Bobby blessed us with his amazing ginger raspberry pie and Chili Verde.  Sooooo good!  I enjoy all the people in the neighborhood – love great conversations and doggie interactions. 

                Seeing Seth delight in the dogs playing and running brought a smile to my face.  He has always loved animals and it brings joy to my heart.  Well, except ponies – he didn’t like the smell at the ranch.

                Seth picked some raspberries, cleaned bathrooms and mowed the lawn this week.  What a great help he is.  I am blessed that he does what he is supposed to do.

                Our whole family had several meals together this week and it was super fun to banter, tease and let each other know how we affect each other.  Just in case you are wondering, Bobby does not like it when someone puts cinnamon and sugar in the pepper shaker.

                Bobby and Adriel are safely home from hiking more of the PCT.  They are definitely glad to make it home.  They hiked 50 miles in 2.5 days and were only sore for a day or two.  They hiked some of that in the snow.  Crazy to think there is snow in the mountains even in the summer!

                Adriel was kind enough to give me a ride from the Union Gospel Mission to my car at Firestone this week.  It was during her lunch break and it was fun to see her there.  She was happy to see me as well.  I love it that she is working full time and is transitioning well into adulthood.  She is even looking into buying her own car.  Go Adriel!

                I did find entertainment this week at a get-together.  Seth asked the Hostess, “Where is your recycle?” as he was holding a can.  She pointed him to the garbage.  A little bit later he came up with finished watermelon . . where is your compost bin?  Again – the garbage can.  Oh, the shame of living in Oregon and NOT following the Oregon way to clean air and fresh water.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd_uVqEBrSk  I was reminded of this skit and had to laugh.  Seth was told to ask the host not the hostess any more of that kind of questions – she was feeling guilty enough.  Then came Adriel with a can in her hand . . .

                Bobby and I enjoyed a night over in Portland for an impromptu date.  We enjoyed a quiet stay at a bed and breakfast and a lot of nice walking.  How fun to get away and know Adriel took Seth to drivers ed in the morning.  We have great kids!  Yay!!

                May you also find joy in all those you encounter.  May your lives be blessed with peace, love, and warmth.  Love and hugs, Cristy

Ruined Summer

Dear Family,

                I may have ruined Seth’s summer.  I’m going to claim Proverbs 31:27 on this and call it good.  (She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.)  Drivers ed is usually at West High school so the poor guy gets to go to school and walk home even in the summer.  He is learning things like lane changes and backing up.  The instructor told me to have him practice this.  During some lane change instruction, I mentioned that there were a lot of cars in the lane he wanted to change into.  Seth said, “It’s an actual horde.”

                Seth has been picking raspberries.  I appreciate his help and that he is eating healthy.  I also appreciate the help of Facebook friends.  When Bobby is gone it is nice to have friends pick.  They are great company and I don’t have to do so much picking by myself.

                Adriel is back safe from Arizona.  I am tickled that she asked me to drive her home from the airport.  She said she does get a little homesick.  We had a great talk and I enjoyed the amazing lightning storm on the way home.  Adriel was marveling at the weather change (triple digits in Arizona – huge raindrops in Oregon). 

                Adriel told me she learned something new in AZ.  Dave’s Killer bread comes in White and it’s amazing!  I told her, “I would not buy such things if I were you!”  She did anyway. 

                When I asked why the bag of sugar was on the counter Adriel mentioned, “Did you know that 2 cups of sugar a day is good for you?”  I told her I have never heard that and I did not believe it either.  Her response.  “Well, this is awkward.”

                I love seeing Adriel – I get my one hug a day and maybe even some conversation.  She is beautiful, fun and delightful.

                Bobby is home from a hard week counseling Middle school camp.  God is good and I do not know how Bobby or any of the leaders do it.  I do know they do well.

                May you find the beautiful weather lifts your spirits.  May you encounter Joy in knowing God loves you.  Hugs,

Cristy

Thank you!

Dear Family,

                Thank you so much for your prayers!  Seth came through surgery great.  They pulled four wisdom teeth and he was feeling fine the next day.  He even said he had minimal pain.  Wow!  Seth thanked me several times this week for taking care of him and cooking for him.  He’s so sweet.  Seth even felt up to mowing the lawn this week.  I am thankful for his help around the house.

                Adriel continues cleaning her room.  So far she has donated 5 big boxes.  How her room fits that much stuff is a clown car miracle.  The other day Adriel was coming downstairs.  I said, “I hear my one hug a day coming” and she did J - she gave me my hug with a smile.  Adriel is back in Arizona.  Please pray with us for her safe return. 

                Bobby was so happy and proud to see the kids had good grades last semester.  I enjoyed his enthusiastic response and praise of Seth (the only one home).  How fun to see our younglings doing well.  I enjoyed walking with Bobby some this week.  I love that he’s willing to go outside with me. 

                Please pray for Bobby as he is a camp counselor this week.  He has 11 boys in his cabin.  I know God will do great things.  May our prayers help them all.

                May your summer bring you happiness and Joy.  May God fill you to the brim, spilling over so you love all those you encounter.  Hugs, Cristy

PS This picture is from my garden.  It's a very happy garden.

It continues!

Dear Family,

                This was an extrovert week.  Adriel and Bobby enjoyed many graduation parties.  Visiting with people is their favorite thing to do.  This week filled them up.  I attended several for a while.  Seth, zero.  You can tell who is energized by being with friends and who is not.  Although . . . Seth is with friends on headphones so – I don’t know.  Everyone enjoys being with friends to a degree.

                Adriel is now working more hours.  Her job says she is doing well.  Without school she has more hours to give.  Tadaaaa!  Good for her.

                Adriel continues writing thank you cards and reveling in your generosity.  I especially love the Hydes note.  “Dear Adriel, you don’t know us but we know you and love your parents.”  How sweet kind words are.  Thank you, Wally and Ginny, for kindness and love.

                Seth is glad school is over for many reasons.  One is that the walk home was sometimes in 97-degree weather.  We did have a very hot week.  I am so thankful the weather has calmed down to the low 80’s. 

                Seth has blessed me in his willingness to pick raspberries.  Yay, Seth.

                Bobby was happy to receive a gift at a grad party.  The family knew they would see Bobby there and were able to bring him back something from their trip to Disneyland.  It made his day.  How fun.

                Bobby was happy to cook his own amazing meat for Fathers day.  He really likes cooking.  I am glad he was able to relax and enjoy his day.

                Seth came through having four molars pulled today.  There were no complications.  Please pray with us as God heals him.

                May Gods blessings warm your heart.  May you depend on Him for strength to grow in wisdom, bless others and do His will.

Much Love,

Cristy

Graduation!

Dear Family,

                It used to take two months to prepare for a party.  This time I condensed it into two days.  Wellllll, actually, when I think of going through all our photos.  That did take two months.  Either way, I am so thankful for my co-workers who did fine without me while I took some time off.  They are a blessing and I trust them.  They did great.

                Bobby worked hard this week.  He mowed the lawn, cooked, rearranged furniture, and was an amazing host.  Bobby also cooked one dinner this week but told me I wouldn’t like it.  No problem there.  I love cereal and peanut butter sandwiches.

                Bobby volunteered at Adriel’s graduation party.  After an all-night extravaganza, he plopped into bed at 5 A.M. excited and chatty.  “I could have gone on all night.  It was great.”  I believe he is either crazy or amazingly gifted.  It probably takes both to work with youth.  Bobby is a true extrovert.

                Bobby was overjoyed with your participation at Adriel's Graduation party.  Thank you all for coming.  He said, “That couldn’t have been a better party.”  It was nice to have adults and high schoolers over.  When we have a Junior High party there is usually an element of running so our house feels like a pinball machine.    

                Seth went to Adriel’s graduation.   Adriel was surprised he left the house and said so.  His response, “They made me,” just brought a knowing smile.  Of course, we did – I am glad we didn’t have to twist his arm.  After the graduation ceremony, Seth and I were both cold.  On the walk home I held his arm.  I told him, “I hope you don’t mind me being close, I’m cold.”  He said he was fine with it. 

                Adriel noticed and voiced appreciation for how much work we put into her graduation party.  Later she said – “I didn’t know how many people would come!  I was wondering why you were making so much food.”

                My parents are a true blessing.  I am so glad they came a day early.  They forced me to relax and enjoy myself.  They helped prepare for the party.  They warm my heart and bring me joy.  They are patient with my desire to walk for hours.  Without them, I would not exist. 

                Sundays Sermon was spot on and straight from God to me.  I am so blessed to sit under someone who listens to God, preaches from His word and helps me feel conviction  I am blessed by Pastor Marcus.

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                May you also be blessed by God’s messengers.  May you listen, take it in and respond.  May you trust those around you and may they be worthy of that trust.  Much love J

Cristy

Celebrate!

Dear Family,

                It’s time to celebrate!  Happy Birthday to Seth who is 16, Happy Anniversary to Bobby and I.  We are 23 years married.  Happy Graduation to Adriel.  Woo Hoooo!!!  How wonderful to hear their deep voices, see them so grown-up and to experience their maturity.  Seth thanked me for waking him up on Sunday.  What a great guy!

                Pastor Marcus looked over at Seth during announcements and mentioned he is 16 that day.  The clapping was fun.  Seth did turn a bit red but he smiled when I asked later how he felt about the announcement.

                My friend Heidi Kravitz had to tell me a story about Seth.  Heidi was walking towards Seth when she saw her young daughter behind him.  Heidi said, “Hey Baby, How’s it going?”  Seth said “Fine” deadpan.  Heidi was wondering if Seth was joking.  Then he noticed her child and said, “Oh.”  My friend said she will forever call Seth her Baby.

                Seth approached me several times to say his verses this week.  This warms my heart!  By Friday he recited Colossians 2:6-21 all the way!  Yay Seth.

                Bobby brought home one doughnut that had been sitting in the hot car for a while.  I tried to eat it but the frosting mostly came off so I left the naked item in the doughnut box.  Seth came over with, “So there is no frosting on it?”  He seemed willing to eat anything in a doughnut box.  Then he saw and said, “It’s not even a doughnut any more.  It is just a sad bagel.”  He left it.

                Bobby and I had a wonderful week.  We walked and made new friends.  We spent most of the day together Memorial day and Saturday and it was great.  I cannot express how wonderful it is that Bobby and I get along.  These are not empty words.  Becoming one took a long time and included hard years.  God is the reason for the longevity of our marriage.  Yay God! 

                Bobby made some amazing dishes this week.  One focused on Seth for his Birthday.  Bobby knows how to make a day special!  Bobby also got up at 1:55 AM Sunday to listen to someone’s verses.  That is dedication!

                Adriel spent Memorial day cleaning her room.  She brought four boxes to a thrift store.  Good for her!  She is getting ready for college life.  Adriel received a scholarship and grant to Chemeketa.  She does want to graduate from WOU eventually.  For now, she is excited about being paid to go to college.  Why rack up debt now?  I think she is smart.  We are so proud of her.

                I enjoyed attending the Senior Awards night.  Adriel won several academic awards.  My favorite part was when she decided to skip the socializing and went out with me to Lime Berry, just us.  It was nice to spend some time with her alone.

                I am so blessed that our Mexico team was willing to do my dirty work.  They did a great job weeding the entire yard.  Such hard work!

                For those who sent cards, texts and gave congratulations in person.  Thank you!  How fun and exciting to celebrate true accomplishments.  Much Love,

Cristy