I am going to do homework now.

 Dear Family,

                Marriage can change everything.  I am talking about being the officiant.  Bobby married a couple this weekend and it was so wonderful.  One of our friends said, “You can marry me for my next marriage” right in front of his wife!  We experienced beauty, fun and so many smiles.  It was a delight to be present at Josh and Rebekah Brumfield’s wedding.  I noticed Bobby was willing to do more at home.  Bobby drove our dying car to donate it, caught Pokémon for me while I was sleeping, did dishes, cleaned out a drawer, mowed the lawn, took cans in and cooked several meals this week.  He also maintained a loving attitude and made our bed daily.  Wow!  I am fine with him doing a wedding any time.  (He said he does all this wedding or no which is true – maybe it was that I noticed more??)

                 Youth group was a blast and I am VERY glad I was not chosen to eat pretzels dipped in mustard.  The kids volunteered.  Yay!

               Adriel sold her red car (yay!) and started school this week.  She continues to give me hugs when we see each other.  I believe I saw her three times this week.  I love her so much!

                Seth picked apples and got his license this week.  He drove himself to church and back.  His first solo trip in that big truck from Grandpa VanKleek.  How fun!  Our Seth is growing up! 

                The favorite words I love to hear from my kids is, “I am going to do homework.”  How sweet they are!  How many hours I used to spend helping, pushing, prodding them to do homework.  Now they do it on their own.  Delight fills my heart just thinking about it!

                Little things in life can bring so much peace!  May you choose to think upon the good and may you also feel joy and give praise to God above and those you love.  Hugs,

Cristy

Happy Sad

Dear Family,

               

                Settling into a routine is so nice.  Bobby cooked several yummy meals this week and I loved it.  He’s home to make the bed, enjoy life and be with me.  I enjoyed youth group on Tuesday where Bobby gave everyone a fun beard to wear in celebration of Rich’s Birthday.  What a fun picture!

                Bobby and I enjoyed a great walk on Saturday and fun with friends.

                Adriel will be starting classes at Chemeketa this week.  I am proud of her.  I am also glad for the Grant and Scholarship that will help pay for college.  Adriel and I had several great talks and I so enjoy her company.

                Seth mentioned that he likes his morning classes!  How fun!  Seth also overheard Bobby and I talking about how low maintenance he is.   Seth had to pipe in with, “I like it that way!  You don’t have to pay attention to me.” 

                How nice to not feel needy.  How nice to have our son not need us.  Yet, this is a loss in itself.  Happy sad may define our next couple of emptying nest years. 

                May you enjoy the moments you have on this earth.  May you feel God leading and may you follow the path He leads you down.  Much love,

Cristy

New Beginnings

Dear Family,

                New Beginnings happen in September;  School, Youth Group, Home Groups.  I enjoy seeing who will be a part of our groups.  I LOVE seeing my school kids after the summer.  What fun it is to see people after a while. 

                Bobby had two Barbecue’s in our house this week.  One for the Junior High, one for the High School.  He cleaned up some before and he cleaned our house after.  Bobby even mopped.  Bobby and many teens thanked me for having them.  How nice!   

                Seth Socialized with both youth groups and didn’t act put out.  He has grown up so much.  How wonderful to have him greet people and interact with his deep voice. 

Seth passed his driving test this week.  He will receive something in the mail to bring to the DMV for his written test.  Then we will have another licensed driver in the family.  Woo Hoo!

                I worked late so often this week that I didn’t see Adriel till Sunday.  She tried coming home early on Friday to see family and no one was home.  Seth was passing his driving test.  Bobby was waiting for Seth to be done and I was volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission.  Poor Adriel.  She was able to call me and talk on the phone for a bit this week.  She said she missed me.   How sweet!

                I told Seth he could have a ride to church if he was ready at a certain time.  He said he wouldn’t be and I felt bad because it was pouring outside.  Adriel piped up.  “I’ll give him a ride.  I’m going out anyway.”  Yay.  Adriel is trying out churches, finding her own way.  It will be fun to hear which one is the best fit.

                Bobby and I had a great walk with the Kravitz family.  I love walking and finding cute Pokémon.  Life is so much fun!

                May you enjoy everything God has for you.  May you find peace in all God has for you.  May you find joy even in hard times.  Much love,

Cristy 

Happy Birthday Bobby

Dear Family,

                God knows what He is doing.  This week was hard because two cars are dead.  Thank you, Dad and Mom, for the Mercury Sable.  It lasted us 18 years.  The Salvation Army will take it from here.  Thank you, Lord, that we do have enough funds to buy a working car for Adriel.  She has agreed to pay half her paycheck to us until she owns the Toyota Avalon she is now driving. 

                Adriel was glad for a ride home this week and she took some days off work to figure out the car situation.  Her job needs her to have a working car so this was a stressful week but she figured it out.         Even though living at home was not her plan she will stay at home and attend Chemeketa this year.  I am grateful Adriel is OK with continuing her education, working and being with us a while longer. 

                Bobby had a low key birthday with his best friend’s family over.  Bobby is thankful for his Birthday well wishes.  He also took time to clean, fix a door and cook some yummy food. 

                Bobby received an anonymous “Take your wife to Dinner” envelope so we had a fun date this week and enjoyed time together on Saturday.  Thank you, friend.   We enjoyed ourselves.

                Bobby invited his best friend Rich and son Sam to a Saturday walking group.  I thought that was a fun mesh of people.  It is entertaining to see friends walking together.  I love walking.  I am thankful for working legs.

                I had a Facebook acquaintance and her grade-schoolers pick apples this week.  Bobby was so sweet!  He brought out lemonade, hammed it up and enjoyed the general excitement.  What a great visit.  Picking apples alone to put them on the corner for free or in the green bin is boring and tedious.  Having kids come over with energy and excitement is fun.  Hearing them say, “I’m a professional” is super.  They made my day.

                Seth has OK days at school.  He does his homework without prompting and walks home.  My Seth is responsible, steady and gives me one hug a day.  I love him to bits.  I also love that he helps at the soundboard in church.   I am proud of him.

                May you find joy in the little things.  May the people in your life be glad to see you.  May you bless those you come in contact with.  Love and Hugs J Cristy

               

That necessary pause.

Dear Family,

                There is so much good in life.   I am glad to focus on it.  God is good, he is taking care of us.  We are His and He wants what is best for us.  Sometimes we stumble, sometimes we fall but God is with us through it all.

                This week I enjoyed a date with Bobby.  We went out to eat and had good conversation.  The Youth Group had fun with their annual Color Wars event.  I enjoy taking pictures.  Bobby thanked me for coming and that always makes it worth the time.  Bobby asked me to join him on errands one night and then thanked me for coming.  How nice to enjoy each other’s company. 

                Seth enjoys it when Bobby and I go out because we bring home food.  He began to dig into soup but it was too spicy.  I told him milk would help and he said, “I’ll never drink milk.”  A couple of seconds later, “We don’t even have any milk do we?”  Then it was, “OK, I’ll drink some.” 

                One of my friends wants Seth to remember her name.  I have started helping by praying for her every night with Seth.  I pray, “And dear Lord please be with . . . “ I add a big pause.  Seth says, “I’m not going to say her name.”  Then I say it and end the prayer.  One day he will – I know that pause will drive him crazy.  I said, “You know it don’t you?”  Your brain said her name silently.”  Seth smiled and said, “Yes, I know her name is __________.”

                Seth mowed the lawn this week, picked up ground fall apples and cleaned bathrooms.  I am glad he helps out around the house.  He is good for a hug a day and remains pleasant company.

                Adriel drew a picture for me this week and I love it.  The more she draws the more books I can publish!  Yay!  Adriel rescued Bobby when he ran out of gas.  Adriel also played a game with Bobby and I this week.  I enjoyed spending that time with her.  She had a friend over and we watched a show for a while.  I know the time we have with her is fleeting.  I am glad for every hug and every smile she gives.

                May you enjoy each gift of a smile or hug God grants.  May you be glad for all you have.  God has gifted me with more apples than I can enjoy.  Would anyone like to pick some bray burn apples with a little extra wormy protein?  Sigh, the bad parts are easy to cut out.  Much love,

Cristy

The end is near

Dear Family,

                Kids that get along is every mother's dream.  This week I saw several beautiful examples of peace, tranquility, and joy.  Also, Seth is sympathetic when it comes to driving.  If Adriel needs the Sable he is OK walking from school or driving the massive truck for a while.  I love it when my kids get along.  Sometimes I am entertained when they do not.  “I ate all the cookie dough,” Adriel announced.  Seth became frustrated because he did not even know it existed.  There was an outcry.  I insisted Adriel apologize which she did with ease – yet her Cheshire grin remained.  Adriel said, “I can throw some up for you.”  Seth was not appeased.  His response was, “We are not a family of birds.”  I told Adriel she could have avoided all this feedback if she had refrained from bragging in the first place.  Seth agreed with, “Yeah, I don’t brag whenever I finish a bag of pretzels!”

                Seth received a wonderful compliment this week.  As Kahori and I were watching him help clean up the Front Yard picnic at the church she said, “He’s such a happy helpful person.”  I am impressed by how Seth has grown.  He stayed the entire potluck to help.  He interacted with people, helped with the bounce house and helped clean up.  He is an introvert but I can tell he has been listening to Pastor’s sermons.  It was no mistake that the sermon this week was about including others.  Immediately after the sermon, we had an opportunity to greet neighbors who had been invited for free food.  Well done Pastor Marcus.  Well done Seth!

                Adriel drew five pictures this week.  She is so talented!  I am excited to put our books on Amazon.  This week I put our latest book and the one my Grandparents made (with permission from their surviving children).  How exciting to have four books out!  What a great summer.

                Adriel thanked me for cooking and having food she likes available for the family while Bobby was gone.  I am glad she noticed.

                It is good to have Bobby home.  He brought gifts, told stories and gave hugs.  I am glad God brought him back safe and healthy.  The next day he took the youth group to the beach.  Goodness.  He did thank me for coming to the beach with them and we had a great time J. 

                We have an over the oven microwave.  It broke so many times in our thirteen years here I gave up. My parents bought me a used one and a small cabinet to put it on from the Union Gospel Mission a couple years ago.  Meanwhile one for over the oven became free in West Salem so I took it and put it under the house in case the smaller microwave broke.  While Bobby was in Mexico the small one bit the dust.  I brought out the free one, washed it off, tossed the small one and put the free one on the stand.  It was huge.  I laughed at myself – I didn’t measure it – it was free and way too big for the spot over our oven.  Silly me.  So I called or shopped all the thrift stores in Salem for a microwave with no luck.  Oh dear.  While Bobby was flying home I texted him with the question.  Would you like me to buy a new small microwave or one for over the oven?  He didn’t answer – he was tired.  Thursday rolled around and Jen came over to play board games with us.  How fun.  I told her the story and she said, “I think that large microwave will fit.”  I couldn’t believe it and started measuring to prove her wrong.  What do you know!  It fits!  Bobby groaned.  Yet, the next day he did it.  Bobby put the large microwave up above the oven.  Yay!  How exciting.  The next problem – Bobby put the broken microwave in my car and expected me to bring it in for recycling.  Oh dear.  I didn’t think I could lift it with my bad shoulder.  God is so amazing!  As part of my errands, I met someone at the park with some cat items to sell from Craig’s List.  He was big, strong and drove a truck.  I asked if he would please take my broken microwave to save me the trip (and because I did not think I could lift it anyway).  He did!  The nice man took the microwave!!  That’s my short story long.  Yay God!

                Bobby already made a wonderful meal this week.  He blesses us with great food and good company.  I enjoyed a fun walk with him and a Salem Raid group.  We experience God’s beauty, new friends and good exercise.  I am so glad to live in Salem, have a great husband and our sweet kids.  This is my ‘good old days.’

                May every day be good, wonderful and beautiful.  May you know how loved you are and may you feel God’s peace in your life.  Even though the end of summer is near, may you bask in God's beautiful sunshine as it continues to glow.  Love and hugs, Cristy

               

Published again!

Dear Family,

            I am so glad for friends!  Because Bobby is in Mexico on a mission trip this week has been more lonely.  I met my friend Sarah Duval.  Yay!  She steered me towards self-publishing on Amazon.  It is completely free!  After spending a lot of money at another place with bad results I am excited to spend a little money on a domain name (www.cristyvankleek.com), a new website and link to my Amazon books.  It took one day for the Kindle version of “Star in Space” to process.  It may take another for the paperback to be ready.  I am impressed, days versus Months.  I believe "Star in Space!" is free to read if you have Amazon Prime. 

            I was blessed to walk with Heidi and her kids.  They are delightful and full of life. I truly enjoy their family.  I walked with Sara Trippett several times.  She is a good friend and I love her company!  Friends almost fill the void of a gone hubby.

            I watched the movie UHF with my kids this week.  Weird Al made a fantastic comedy.  Adriel said, “I forgot how much I love this movie.”  Seth has learned things in school since the last time we saw it so he was shocked at the portrayal of “Gandhi II” This time he’s back with a vengeance (gun shooting everyone) and he’s good with the ladies too (arm in arm with several starlets).  Comedy – I love laughing at how ludicrous some things are.  (Today, we are going to teach poodles, how to fly!)

            Seth mowed the lawn this week and continues to pick up ground fall apples.  He is helpful and enjoys my cooking.  I have cooked almost every day this week.  Seth cooked also.  Yay, Seth!  He needed some money and asked for a job.  It took some thinking.  Then I had an epiphany.  I was glad to have him do some data entry for “Star in Space.”  It is wonderful when I can administrate tedious work!

            Seth talked with Bobby on Facetime from Mexico.  Seth said, “I want to go to Mexico next year.  It will help me grow closer to God.”  We are overjoyed.  I started wondering which parent should go and mentioned to Seth, “It might be hard. . .”  Seth replied, “That’s the whole point.”

            I enjoy the Buy Nothing group on Facebook because I can get rid of things and other times I can get free items that I love.  This week I was excited about obtaining a bunch of lotions. I was telling Bobby over FaceTime how excited I was.  I mentioned I felt deflated a bit when I went to share them with Adriel.  She said, “Mom, I don’t like lotions. Never have.” Bobby was super confused. He thought I said, “Theologians”.

            May you rejoice in all God has given you.  May you find joy in the priceless beauty that surrounds us.  May your heart be filled with peace.  Much love,

Cristy