7/5/21

 

Dear Family,

 

            The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  This is not just about the spiritual life.  I am so thankful for people who signed up to pick raspberries!  They are willing to give of their time.  YAY!!  I enjoy picking 15 minutes a day (breakfast and some extra to freeze, about 3 cups this morning) but I am so blessed I don’t have to do an hour every day.  And you are happy to do it!  Thank you my friends for coming out to pick!  Your willingness is what keeps me from chopping them down. 

            Seth remains sweet and hilarious.  Bobby and I are trying new shows.  ‘The Rosanne show’ has, “Horrible advice,” and Seth is right.  A different show, ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ brought the comment, “Finally some quality programming.”  We never know if Seth is listening because he’s at his computer doing his own thing but his brain can multitask like the best of them.  Seth also mowed the lawn this week and that is a blessing.

            Adriel is working three jobs right now.  She continues at the law firm.  She took on a 6-midnight shift ad the ASAP market on Lancaster and then Tuesday morning she did not come home.  This scared me.  After some phone calls (ASAP to confirm the last time someone saw her alive, the boyfriend who hadn’t seen her – aghhhhhh).  Adriel contacted us saying she was house sitting.  Bobby was not impressed when I said, “Oh yeah.”  She really has to tell him these things.  I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached.

            It was wonderful to see Adriel when she came home for food, clothes, and shampoo.  She remains our cameo appearance.

            Adriel did mention her new co-worker said, “You have a good work ethic!”  This, because she began breaking down boxes instead of just standing there.  She replied, “I got that from my mom.”  Awww shucks – I do love productivity! 

            In his prayers, Seth is very concerned Adriel will burn out with lasting consequences.  I told him she will be fine and just quit a job if worse comes to worst.  He is not convinced.

            Bobby fixed a toilet.  He bought the parts and everything.  Yay!  Bobby also fixed several amazing meals and we are very happy to eat them.  And he made his amazing raspberry ginger pie.  YUM!

            As our family empties the nest I am excited to see what the future holds.  May you also look forward with joy in your hearts.  Much Love,

 

 

Cristy

PS I am glad for friends who walk and the beauty of Riverfront.  This wasn't taken this week but it's still pretty.

6/28/21 Heat wave!

 

Dear Family,

                I am thankful for AC – it’s 4:30 AM and 85 degrees outside right now.  Inside, It’s OK.  I am thankful for AC in the car, house and stores. 

I am very glad to have Bobby home safe and sound.  He was the speaker at camp last week.  They enjoyed a time of fellowship and fun even with COVID restrictions in place.

                While Bobby was gone I enjoyed taking Adriel out to eat lunch.  She expressed excitement to go to Fork Forty because she has never been there.  Adriel and her boyfriend also picked raspberries and were sweet enough to spend an evening with me.  I do enjoy their company.

                Adriel made cinnamon rolls and they were amazing.  She did great.

                Sometimes our cat is crazy.  She needs to chase something.  In this heat, she wants an indoor toy and we have helix bugs that zip around and get stuck in small spaces.  When one became stuck behind the fridge Bobby declared it was time to clean that area.  I am blessed by his willingness.  Bobby and Seth have told me it is a bad idea to kick stray ice under the fridge.  Now I know!

                Seth asked me to help him apply for College.  The website blocked us.  We thought he was too late and had sinking hearts.  I am very glad for Mike Evans who answered our call and helped explain that we were not too late.  We were too early.  Yay!  After that harrowing experience, Seth gave me an extra-long hug which was sweet.  He also mentioned that he was terrified for his future. 

                Seth asked for help filling out his window washer fluid and it was fun to teach him that life skill.  He is a sweet young man and we are blessed to still have him living with us.

                Adriel got a second job weekdays 6-midnight.  This is concerning but should keep her out of trouble.  Please pray for her safety as she will be in a market stocking shelves.  (She was assured she will not be alone.)

                Thank you for your love and prayers.  May you find peace in knowing God is in control and he loves us.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

PS this is a place I saw on one of my deliveries.  It took my breath away and I wanted to share it with you.

               

6/20/21

 

Dear Family,

 

            Don’t you love it when a plan all comes together?  Bobby had all youth (JH and HS) participate in a Barbeque Wednesday night.   Many people showed up.  Getting out of the house is a big deal these days.  Hot Dogs, Burgers, even veggies were a hit and we all enjoyed being outside.  Several highlights were Kona Ice – my favorite part was overhearing Bobby ask, “How many cups do we have left?”  They said, “One.”  Bobby excitedly said, “I’ll take it!”  He preordered 50 drinks and it all worked out so he got the last one.  Beautiful!  Also, the kids enjoyed this interesting game.  You can throw a water balloon if you can catch it (from the leaders).  There were many smiles and much laughter as balloons were lobbed into the air.

            Bobby made Chicken wings this week and was very happy with how they turned out.  Bobby also brought home yummy Strawberries from Rotary.  I am glad he helps prepare them for storage.  It doesn’t take long with both of us working.

            Fathers day Bobby decided he wanted “Straight from New York Pizza”.  Seth confirmed that this is the best gourmet pizza in Salem.  Everyone was pleased and well-fed.

            Adriel’s Cherry Pie was amazing!  A day later when I asked if I could have another piece she said, “Of course you can.”  Yum!  Adriel also spent some time chatting with me as she ate dinner one night.  She is happy to ride bicycles and pick raspberries with her boyfriend.  Anything is fun if you are with the one you love.

            Seth mowed the lawn and wrote thank you notes this week.  We are thankful for all who gave well wishes and cards for High School graduation.  You helped him know this is a major accomplishment. 

I do miss Seth.  He is working more hours for the summer and we don’t see him in the evenings anymore.  It’s sad having that empty chair.  Yet Seth is still here in the mornings and if I do see him, I am glad.

            May you rejoice in those who love you.  May you find peace in doing God’s will and may you find purpose as you seek His guidance.  Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

 

6/13/21 Seth Graduated High School

 

Dear Family,

 

            Some laws of the harvest are; you reap what you sow, you reap more than you sow and you reap later than you sow.  About 10 years ago I planted a cherry tree.  Please come pick some if you are in the area.  We have a LOT and I have pruned the tree so you won’t need a ladder.  (You can bend the branches down if you need to.)

            Adriel thanked me for cherries I had picked and Seth ate some as well.  I am glad the kids are pleased.  Adriel even made some cherries into cherry pie.  YUM.  She was quite tickled with herself to get rid of the “mess” I had made by putting them on the windowsill and counter.

            Adriel chatted with me as she cut her hair.  She has been cutting her hair since she was 5 years old.  I said, “I would be scared to cut my own hair.”  She said, “I would be scared to let someone cut mine!”  This does bring up some memories of how right she can be.  Do you have any bad haircut stories?  

            The administration at Seth's graduation said, “No one may throw their graduation cap.”  The ceremony was over.  Happy music began to play.  3 people threw their cap.  Seth did it.  He threw his and turned red.  Then he picked up his cap and someone else’s and gave it to them.  

            Although Seth did not want a gathering for his graduation Bobby said, “We have to have grandparents over.”  So, on Saturday we visited with grandparents.  It was fun hearing; “Seth, how does it feel to be an adult?”  “I can’t wait to pay taxes.”

            Bobby made a lot of chicken pot pie.  It’s one of my favorite dishes.  Yum.  Bobby is also enjoying the youth group and the kids that invite friends.  The group is growing but last week was the last regular week for the school year.  From here on out it’s a BBQ and special events.  Summer, here we come!

            May you rejoice with us as time passes and we grow to do more and be more like Him.  May you enjoy each breath and find strength in our Lord Jesus.  Love and Hugs,

 

Cristy

6/7/21

 

Dear Family,

 

Thank you for the well wishes and cards for both our anniversary and for Seth’s Birthday and Graduation coming up.  Seth hasn’t opened the graduation cards but will on the day of.  When we asked if he wanted a large or smaller party he said.  “Let me think, um, neither.”  COVID also helps him on this.

Seth received a cord for the drone program.  How fun.  On his Birthday he was content to play computer games with remote friends.  That’s all he wanted.  The next day we did celebrate with Chinese takeout and brownie cake.  When Grandpa called and sang, ‘Happy Birthday’ Seth’s response was, “Where did you learn that song?  I’ve never heard it.”  His dry sense of humor cracks us up.

Seth also mowed the lawn and other various chores this week.  He continues to work and is glad school is mostly over.

Bobby cooked up a storm Monday with hot dogs, chicken, and beef.  Might as well do it all while you have a chance. 

Bobby was my hero when the smoke detector alarm woke me at 2:30 AM.  Ugh.  I am so glad he doesn’t mind getting the ladder and climbing that high.

Youth group is growing with kids excited to be there and parents singing praises of the talks on the way home.  God is at work and it is exciting to participate.

Adriel remains a cameo appearance.  She did give me a sweater.  She also ate with us Thursday night.  No one can resist the power of Golden Crown’s food.

May you rejoice with sun and rain.  May your heart be glad for each breath you take.  May you shine love to all you encounter.   Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

And here is the view from Riverfront towards Minto Brown with a deer.  I enjoy walking with Bobby.

5/31/21

 

Dear Family,

Celebrating milestones is so important and wonderful.  I enjoy taking time off to enjoy.  Bobby and I will be married 25 years June 1^st so we took some days off before memorial weekend to enjoy the beach without crowds.  We had delightful walks, wonderful talks and enjoyed being together.  The beach is beautiful.  Shopkeepers are kind.  Our love for each other is growing.

One Hiking spot was super cool.  With a name like, ‘Hobbit Trail’ we couldn’t resist, just the name itself is fun.  The hike had moss over tree limbs and was a short trip to the beach.

In town, we enjoyed meeting a like-minded Christian who loved Bobby’s Boba Fett shirt and our matching ‘Among us’ game masks.  He was so personable.  After we left Bobby contacted a mutual friend to give their greetings from afar.

The next day we rejoiced to have a rainy morning so we could relax inside, play games, and work on a puzzle.  It is satisfying that we do puzzles the same and use teamwork.

Meanwhile, back home, Skyra brought in a live bird.  Seth sent an alarming picture of said bird inside our house on the window ledge.  We wondered what happened and this brings a great analogy to mind.  Seth put the cat on time out and let the bird flutter against the window until it was exhausted.  Then Seth picked the bird up and put it outside.  Sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves before God can help us.  We need to, “Be still and know that He is God.”  Psalm 46:10.  He’ll wait until we are ready.

            Bobby and I are happy to be home.  Upon arrival, Adriel sat and talked with us while she ate the food we brought her by special request (Hawaiian time).  We are always glad the house didn’t burn down while we were gone.

Bobby enjoyed visiting with his Nephew and Niece.  The Fischer’s (Dad and 2 of 4 kids) were in the Portland area for Braeden's baseball game.  I am glad they enjoyed their time together.

Bobby and Seth were glad to eat the eggs I made Saturday evening.  Adriel was glad to eat the pasta I made Sunday evening.  We have all the ingredients, just needed to put it together.  I Love cozy cuddling.  I also love our daily routine at home.  It is such a blessing to have peace and joy. 

May you also have peace and joy with those you live with.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

5/24/21

 Dear Family,

 

                I almost didn’t write blessings this week because my list was so boring I felt like going to sleep.  Now that my nap is over I feel called to write because it is my act of worship.  God’s call is that I might praise Him by sharing the way he has blessed us.  I also wonder if these are days I will miss.   These are my “good old days” filled with peace – grateful silence and happy purring.

                Bobby made three meals this week and we enjoyed each one.  The Salsa Verde was not as hot as Bobby is but still quite amazing. 

                Bobby is pleased with youth group and says so.  He enjoys the crowd and loves good attendance.

                I was also blessed to hear that after Youth Sunday last week one of the children chose to usher this last Sunday.  He was so adorable Bobby had to take a picture.

                Adriel was ecstatic to sell her car and is pleased to have me drive her to work.  I am tickled to drive her.  I love her company and am very glad to have the motivational push to get out of the house and into town where Instacart batches are better than at our West Salem home (away from the stores).

                Seth mowed the lawn and even pulled a weed that was on the side.  I am tickled pink that he does the job well. 

                Looking back on what I have written I see the week has been one of progress, slight change, and good things.  God is good.  He brings us closer to Him.  Helps us mature and find grace for each other. 

                May you also find joy in looking back and choosing to give God the praise.  He holds us together.  We are glad to be in His care.  Much Love, Cristy