9/12/22

 Dear Family,

 

                Knowing others care warms the heart and gives depth to friendships.  Thank you for reading about our lives.  Those who see me in person, thank for you letting me know reading this means a lot or that you are glad to know about us.  I feel encouraged by your words, hugs, and love.  We are blessed by you!

                Bobby enjoyed playing disc golf with some youth.  He did mention that he feared for his life when the youth was driving.  Don’t worry, he also fears for his life when I drive.  It’s hard not being in control when you are the firstborn (and according to Bobby, when they both drive poorly).

Bobby enjoyed fishing with his dad, and I am glad they had a great time together.  I don’t like fishing or being away from town, so I am very glad they didn’t need my presence.  

Bobby pulled up all our Staghorn Sumac tree baby starts.  There were a lot.  He did extreme weeding!  I am so grateful for his help with yard work.

Bobby used up some extra chicken to make an amazing casserole.  I love it that he is the primary cook.  He was also excited to make Birthday steaks.  His mom gave him money specifically for that, so he was happy to comply.  I’m sticking with cereal – meat with fat grosses me out.  But I am very glad for him.

While relaxing and in a great mood Bobby mentioned, “I’m so glad we get along.”  I agreed wholeheartedly.  Then he said, “I’m so glad you changed.”  This made us both laugh because although I have changed dramatically, he has also made major improvements to his character.  That we do get along is a testimony to God, counseling, old age, and love.  But, yes, boy have we both changed, and it has helped us relate better.

                Seth continues to prune ferns.  There really are that many.  They came with the broken-up brick I received for free.  All plants and living creatures seem to create more as time goes on.   God has given me two strong men to help with yard work and it’s a beautiful thing!

                Seth and I had a great talk Tuesday night and I am glad I was on his schedule that day.  I slept in, worked late, and had time to see him in the morning and evening. 

                May you also be purposeful about seeing your loved ones.  May you enjoy the time you have with them.  May your heart be glad when you have spent time with those you love.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

9/5/22

 Dear Family,

 

            It is good to visit friends.  Bobby went to visit some of our college friends and a new youth pastor.  I enjoyed seeing the pictures he sent.  I am glad he went.  I may be a tad jealous because I am friends with their wives but I am even more glad to have a job.

            Color wars was very fun to take pictures of.  I will always enjoy smiles.  When the youth are happy it brightens my heart.

            I enjoy having Bobby at home.  Thursday night he cooked Salisbury steak, and it was delicious.  I enjoy spending time with him.  Bobby also pruned our butterfly bush and now I can walk on the path without being bombarded by the lovely blooms and smell.  It’s much better.  

Saturday I was able to spend the day with Bobby.  He had a good Birthday.  We walked, talked, and enjoyed our friend Mark.  Later Bobby cooked steak and salmon!  He also made strawberry shortcake.  He had his favorite foods and smoked them to perfection.  Thank you, friends, and family, for your good wishes.  Next year when he turns 50 it will be more than just family for a celebration.

            Seth is helping prune the ferns.  Hopefully, each plant he prunes is another one to remember the name of.  He’s not seeing them in their glory, but I believe he is learning to appreciate hard work and what it takes to have a nice garden.

            Adriel came over for Bobby’s Birthday.  She played board games with us and lingered even after Bobby and I went to bed.  She and Seth chatted the night away.  What a homey feeling that is.  Peace, love, and joy all in one night.

            May you also feel loved, taken care of, and delighted in.  May you find God’s peace in and thru all you do.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy 

            

8/29/22

 Dear Family,

 

Sleep is so wonderful.  The other night I dreamed I was exhausted but couldn’t get to sleep.  That was a weird feeling to wake up with.  I am very glad I do feel rested most mornings. 

Seth cleaned the bathrooms and pruned the rest of the lilies.  He also pruned the Rhododendron bush.  I am glad he is helpful around the house.  Seth and I went out to Lunch on Friday.  He was great company and said, “Thank you” enough times that I know he enjoyed himself as well.  I enjoyed talking about what is happening in the world and his take on it.

Bobby went backpacking with the youth group.  I am glad he had fun and is home safe.  He also made beef jerky with the dehydrator and shared it with Seth and me.  I am glad for yummy food 😊.

`At Church on Sunday, I answered a question to Bobby saying, “It was wonderful, perfect, fabulous.”  He then replied, “Just like me.”  I really enjoy that he jokes like this now.  It shows less insecurity.  In our early marriage, he worried about “us” and I am glad he doesn’t anymore. 

I had lunch with Adriel on Thursday.  She is delightful!  I went to her office to drop items off before going to lunch.  The people there said, “We love Adriel!”  It was fun to share our mutual affection.  I am very glad to see my Adriel.  I had been missing her.  I told her the lady on the side desk was making copies of things.  Adriel was then suspicious.  How old do you think that lady is?  I guessed right and Adriel was chagrined.  If that age is close to hers, “Does that mean I am a lady too?”  “Oh, I don’t like being old.”  I understand the feeling.  Life seems to speed up sometimes.

As we find life marching forward may we look to God for direction.  May we follow His lead, do His will and find joy in that.  May our desires find joy in Him.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

Also, a picture from the garden because life is pretty.

8/22/22

 Dear Family,

 

            Oh to be free from sin.  And sometimes it looks like we are 😊.  Bobby dug up all the flowers out of the lawn.  This is a constant and not fun project.  I am blessed for the help.  Weeds are just like sin.  They keep popping up like the whack a mole.  I am glad for a loving savior who helps with our mistakes or willfulness.

            Youth group was Ultimate frisbee with Bananas.   I enjoyed seeing many smiles.  The conversation after, with ice cream, was lovely.  I was grumpy on arrival (my phone was glitching and someone asked me to do an annoying errand), but Josh had such an enthusiastic and friendly greeting I remembered how amazing our youth are.  I am blessed to know and work with teens.

            Bobby and I took time to clean out under the house storage.  We filled the truck and weren’t even done!  I am so glad Union Gospel Mission and Goodwill took most of the items!  Bobby took time to break up wood for the garbage.  It’s funny.  Once we loaded the truck, we did not want to put the items back under the house. 

            Seth pruned the lilies and mowed the back lawn.  Yay, him.  He also does dishes and silverware.  I love that he is good company and gives hugs when he is available.

            May you find the strength to do God's will.  May you be glad to have life.  May you have life to the full!  Much love,

 

Cristy

Here's a funny quote from me to a coworker.  "Whenever I look in the bathroom mirror I think . . I should brush my hair.  When I get to my locker, it's, "Oh food!"  That's why I look this way.

8/15/22

 Dear Family,

 

                Beautiful flowers, though they may fade quickly, are a symbol of hope.  They remind us that although we are also temporary, we shine brightly for God by simply being.  Our existence, our very presence says, “Love exists.”  Our gratitude for His love and sacrifice pours out because he fills us, and we have no choice.  We are loved therefore we love. 

                This week pruning continued but other flowers shine.  Sunflowers, cone flowers (echinacea), the butterfly bush, and lambs’ ears are happy.  The grapes show potential, and the raspberries continue growing but produce much less.   Each has its season; they come and go faster and faster each year.  Time moves on and life marches forward.

                Seth continues to be a loving presence.  Pray for his wisdom as he is looking into motorcycle classes.  A motorcycle is a cheap form of transportation.  But is it the best?  Seth also helped prune the Comfrey.   I am extremely glad for all he does.

                Bobby continues to plan for and enjoy the youth.  This week we all went bowling and did miniature golf.  Everyone had an enjoyable time.  We had a turnout of twenty youth so that was invigorating.  Bobby has found a theme for the fall retreat, so he is excited about what is to come.  One youth warmed my heart when he came over to tell me the Hawaiian pizza had arrived.  We had just been talking about how we did not like pepperoni.  I felt touched that he was being thoughtful!  Thanks, Sam!

                Bobby pruned the Calla Lilies this week.  I am glad for the help.  He also cleaned out the garage!  It looks fabulous and we are going to get rid of things.  Yay, it’s time to purge! 

                Adriel showed up for a quick hug and laundry pick-up.  It was nice to see her in her work clothes.  I cannot imagine wearing a sweater in the summer but that’s office life.

                I enjoyed attending Ryland Duval’s wedding this week with Bobby and Adriel.  There was so much joy.  It was wonderful to be part of their day.  I could tell their hearts were bursting and it was so fun to see friends and family.  How giddy their smile was when the pastor said, “You are married now.”  How fun after the kiss to see Ryland blushing.  Aww, young love.  It’s adorable.

                Adriel managed to hug every person at the wedding.  It has been a year since she saw the people of West Hills.  I was impressed by her desire to make sure she said, “Hi” to so many people.  Adriel has always been all about the other person.  Even as a child she cared more about friends than toys.  Watching Adriel warmed my heart.

                May you also burst with pride when you watch your children be amazing.  May you find strength even in weakness.  May God guide you, lift you up and be all that you need.  Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy

AND the picture is of the bowling lanes with Bobby's name on them.  He liked it so much he said, take a picture!  

                 

8/8/22

 Dear Family,

 

                Thinking of making up a will is pretty heady.  We would want our kids to be able to buy their own houses, do any college they want to do, and become established wherever they want to be established.  I am excited to die one day.  Going to heaven will be lovely. 

                Bobby helped prune the daisies.  I am very glad because there were a lot and the yard can be overwhelming.  My 15 minutes a day doesn’t cut it in the summer.  In the winter sometimes it’s 0 minutes a day so that is nice!  The green bin was full.  It was emptied on Thursday.  What a great system we have!  Now it is full again.

                Seth also helped prune the daisies, bachelor buttons, calla lilies,  and columbine.  He is willing to do about 15 minutes a day and I am glad he helps!   With willing hands like these, we don’t have to hire a gardener for our huge garden! 

I drove Seth somewhere and noticed that after he got out my car smelled good.  I love good smells!

                I didn’t get to see Adriel this week, but I saw evidence she is alive.  Laundry has come, gone, and come again.  She answers the phone so that is wonderful.  I am glad she still lives close.

                This morning I hugged our cat and put my ear on her chest.  I love that she instantly purrs.  That sound is my favorite sound in the whole world!  Contentment is summed up in purring.

                May you feel content in your situation.  May you enjoy any help you receive.  May you choose joy and may it radiate out of your every pore.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy VanKleek

8/1/22 Rabbits!

 Dear Family,

 

            Bobby left on Tuesday, excited to go hiking with a friend.  I am glad he had fun with Kevin.  I’m also glad that he decided to come home instead of hiking 100 miles alone.  It is good to be safe with family.  He didn’t want to hike in the heat.  I didn’t want him hiking alone.  It is never good to be alone in the elements.  Also, there are enough fires that some of the PCT is closed now.  Good choice Bobby!

            Bobby made tuna fish sandwiches which I had really been craving.  I am glad he cooks for us when he is home. 

            Seth mowed lawns this week and remained loving and sweet.  I don’t always see much of him but what I do see is lovely.  He decided to join us in visiting our parents for their 50-year anniversary celebration.  I am blessed that he went voluntarily.  He enjoyed the trip and is glad he went.

            It has been so hot this week that as I was driving home after work Monday (7:30 PM) I saw a naked man walking toward me on front street.  This struck me as hilarious and after I drove by him I laughed about how ridiculous Salem has become.  The next day during devotions I felt convicted that I could have given him water and sunscreen.  At work I mentioned the naked man and my coworker said, “Yeah, he tried to come in here, but we wouldn’t let him.  We had the police take him away.”  When I mentioned I could have offered him water she said, “He was too far gone.”  All this to say, “It was hot!”

            Adriel drove up Friday to visit my sister and her family and then go to my parents 50-year Anniversary celebration.  I enjoyed seeing her there!  Celebrating my parents’ anniversary was special.  Not only did we get to visit and enjoy good company, but mom made peach salmon which is a favorite.  We reminisced how blessed they are with neighbors who gave the fish and a place they volunteered at providing potatoes. 

It was lovely seeing my sister and her kids as well.  They really are growing up!  Addie has her license now and it is fun knowing she can help her mom out with errands. 

            May you also enjoy summer visits with friends or family.  May you find those you love to be a blessing.  May you give and find in return you are blessed as well.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy