3/26/18

Dear Family,

            Ahhh, Spring break!  How exciting to have time!  To be able to finish projects or tackle some new ones.  I truly love the gift of time! 

            This week Bobby made a point to cook some yummy soup.  We enjoyed a meal as a family, and it’s fun just to be together.

            Tuesday night I was able to attend youth group when Bobby announced there would be no activities the next week.  One student found out he was leaving town and it was fun to hear, “Take me with you!”  I am glad the youth love Bobby that much.  (Or maybe it’s because they knew where he was going.)

            As Adriel and Bobby were packing, Adriel needed to have a conversation about a boy that she likes, and he likes her.  Bobby is bristling but knows he has to let go.  Adriel just wants to be able to hold this guy’s hand without Bobby freaking out.  Will there be murder on the Band trip this week?  We will have to find out.  Either way, it’s age appropriate to have a boyfriend at the age of 16.  How fun!

Seth was sad there was no youth group on Wednesday.  He likes learning about God.  I love it that he legitimately said, “Aww” in a sad way. 

            While Bobby and Adriel are in Hawaii with the band, Bobby and I planned Seth’s spring break to be special as well.  I wanted to video his reaction, but Seth said, “No.”  He likes his privacy.  Since this annoyed me, I said, “Fine, but I’m not telling you the exciting surprise until five minutes from now,” and put a timer on.  Seth started guessing, but I wouldn’t sway.  He lasted three minutes.  I enjoyed telling Seth he gets to buy a new computer.  Seth thanked Dad in an all-caps text, so that is very fun.  (The video cut’s Seth's head off, and I’m sure I’m not allowed to show it.)  Either way, Seth is excited about the package I will pick up Wednesday.

            I wanted Seth to take Karate out of the gratefulness of his heart.  He refuses, and that’s OK.  What is nice is that he did thank me for the opportunity even though he is saying no.  He can be very polite, and that is sweet.

One day Seth said, “It’s like someone gave Ripley a shot of adrenaline.”  My response is that people don’t randomly go out to the street and give cats shots.  Seth said, “Then how do you explain this behavior?”  Ripley was running around chasing air.  Later on, I checked her toys – yup, several have catnip in them.  That would do it!

This Sunday I was able to teach Sunday school.  The junior High Kids are wild even that early in the morning.  I was surprised!  Either way, that experience gave me an even greater appreciation for Bobby.  He has his hands full.

May you find joy knowing that Jesus came like an Undercover Boss and left us with the gift of salvation.  Jesus also set up a mentor program for us and left the Holy Spirit.  May you enjoy the beauty of flowers and the freshness of rain!  Much love J Cristy

           

4/19/18

Dear Family,

                We survived another week of school and work!  Doesn’t it feel that way sometimes?  We should get a medal just for doing the things we normally do – it’s so hard!  We could call in sick, we could – but we don’t and time flies.  I’m so excited about spring break.  I had several great times at work, and I do love the people I work with so – yes, it is good to continue to soldier on even if our bodies hurt and we feel tired.  “I did not come to be served, but to serve.” Mark 10:45.  With a great example like Jesus, we can know what the right thing is and do it.

                Bobby and I enjoyed a date this week.  It’s nice just to sit and be together.  He can be great company.  Bobby also cleaned out the dishwasher twice this week and it’s so nice when he helps – there’s so much to do!  Sometimes I don’t notice things – but this week I did – Bobby plays guitar very well.  I enjoy singing with him at youth group and home group.  How neat that he can have and use that talent. 

                Bobby also cooked several meals this week, and I enjoyed spending time with him afterward.  I also enjoyed taking pictures at a Nerf war with the Junior High group.  It is always super to get pictures of people smiling and laughing.

                Poor Adriel, she had a concert and was just exhausted.  I am proud of her for keeping on with all the activities she has.  I know teens have energy and I hope she continues to use hers for good.  Adriel also made a drawing for me.  Her creativity can be so beautiful and useful.  I am glad I will have a book illustrated by her.

                Seth laughed and laughed when Ripley brought in a dead bird because of my mixed emotions and mixed words.  “Good Job Ripley!  Oh, poor Birdie!”  I am glad she’s a killer – that’s her job, but – I was hoping for mice or rats.  Eeeek.  So Seth was laughing at my “Poor Birdie” part.  He held Ripley and told me I should, “Get rid of the bird before it starts stinking.”  So, I did.

                It was good that our whole family helped with the church clean up.  Dave Russell even told me later that he enjoyed having Seth help out.  I know that I’ll be cleaning more as I wait in the nursery for the babies to arrive. 

                Ripley gave me an illustration this week.  The poor girl is still young, she has no one to tell her right from wrong.  After the bird incident, I believe she decided that it’s fun to climb trees.  And, I suppose it is.  Ripley decided to climb a pine tree and had sap all over her paws and tail.  The poor kitty has no one to tell her that sap is just like sin.  If we follow our own path and it seems the right thing to do we don’t always know the consequences of our actions.  We don’t know until it’s too late that we made a bad decision.  We do notice when we are sticky, and we can’t do what we used to.  Ripley was subdued for about two days as she took her time getting sap out and as we helped her with oil on her feet (she did not like this).  I don’t think Ripley will make the same mistake with that tree again.

                May you continue to be strong for the tasks that lie ahead of you.  May you go and do good even if you don’t want to.  May you avoid the sticky situations of life.  May you find joy in the simple and in the seasons.  Much love,

Cristy

3/12/18

Dear Family,

            Have you ever decided, “They will never notice,” is a good reason to do something or . . . Not to.  I have often been baffled by how much my husband does notice.  He even notices things I sometimes don’t.  Once he mentioned, my chocolate chip cookies didn’t have brown sugar in them.  By golly he hit it spot on.  Even I didn’t notice that one – maybe they were a little more white.  All this to say that a couple of days after Seth so wonderfully mowed our back lawn.  I noticed he didn’t mow the front lawn.  I had him do it this week but had to chuckle when he said, “Awww, I thought you wouldn’t notice.”  I wonder if God laughs at our silly attempts at hiding.  I remember this child once had blackberries all over his mouth and face.  When his mom asked, “What have you been eating?”  He said, “Nothing.”  We all had to laugh.  Some things are just so obvious!

            Seth brought Ripley to me one day, and it just warms my heart that he gives me someone so soft and fuzzy.  Seth was thinking of me, and it was very sweet.

            Seth is now on rotation at church for the soundboard.  I wondered where he was.  When Bobby told me he was back there I looked behind me expecting to see an inch of the top of his head.  Seth has grown so much I saw his entire head!  How fun!  I am so glad he’s accepted a position of service at church. 

            Seth was playing games with friends online, and I had the Guardians of the Galaxy on loud while I worked in the kitchen.  He is located closer, so it was probably loud enough for his friends online to hear.  Seth said, “If you hear yelling, it’s a movie, not my parents.”  I had to add, “If you hear gunshots it’s also the movie, not your parents.”  We both had to chuckle about that one.  No one wants that much drama happening for real.

            Adriel has been drawing many things.  She is immensely creative, and I am very proud of her.

            Adriel had a class canceled (the teacher let them go), she came home made herself lunch and cleaned out the dishwasher all by herself.  This kind of thing gives me warm fuzzies all over!

            Bobby is very sweet about having me at youth group.  He thanks me for coming and is nice to me when I am there.  Homegroup is also a nice time.  We have fewer kids coming (the teens have stopped).  Because of this, we can talk more freely, and the food is much more abundant.  Nice!

            Bobby was able to take some time training with other leaders at Tapawingo.  He said it’s always nice to focus on God’s word.  I also enjoy reading God’s word and learning what He cares about. 

May you enjoy reading His letter to us.  May you find joy knowing that the creator of the universe loves you and is reaching out, inviting you to be his friend.

            Much Love J Cristy

3/5/18

Dear Family,

                Being great full for the mundane is a precious treasure.  I can think back and smile knowing that although this week didn’t shine in newness, it did have peace and strength. 

                Adriel brought me shopping, and it was fun to hear her stories and know that she is doing well.  I know she lives with us still but spending time together is special until it’s past my bedtime (7 PM).  Then I want to die, but I promised myself I wouldn’t be that parent.  I would talk and talk as a teen, and I remember my dad would say, “OK, that’s wonderful, it’s 10 PM, time to go watch the news.”  I remember bristling!  How could anything be more important than ME!  So, I try to be there when a story is wrapping up.  I try not to whine and beg to go to bed.  I try.

                Adriel brought some friends over.  I am glad she feels comfortable to do so.  I was also glad to have them over because I was cooking cupcakes and needed help eating them.  Yeah for teens!

                Adriel was able to babysit this Friday at our house, and it is fun to hear chipmunk voices.  Little ones are so dramatic!  It is fun to hear Adriel in the parental role saying, “Calm down,” or, “I’m going to fix your food now.”  She’s a great caretaker, and the kids love her – although one did say, “I love my blanket so much, I even love it more than you!”

                Seth remains generous with his computer.  He is such a blessing to Adriel, and I love that he shares what is truly his thru and thru.  He is also taking apart computers trying to make her one that works for her.  I love that he is thinking about her and trying to get her back on her feet. 

Seth redid some homework.  I am very glad he cares about getting things done right.  Seth also mowed the lawn and helped move some broken concrete.  He’s strong enough, and that’s neat!

                Bobby cooked yummy food this week, and it’s always a blessing to sit and eat together.  Bobby continues to make the bed, and this is a blessing to me.

                You know, I started writing this thinking – meh – not too exciting.  But after writing these things in detail, I feel blessed!  God continues to grow our family.  The kids are getting taller, more mature.  Bobby and I are growing more and more in love each day.  We aren’t stupid in love anymore, we are strong in love, and it’s great.

                This Sunday I was able to hear Greg Denny give a wonderful sermon that made me think.  So, Ephesians 1:3-4 says that God loves us even before he created the world.  This reminds me of our babies and my kitten.  We prepared the nursery for the kids with great anticipation.  I bought a special door so that I could have a cat door.  We dreamed of what it would be like to have our kids, and I dreamed what it would be like to have kittens.  Anyway, I love Ripley more than any other cat I had.  This is probably because I waited months if not years for her.  I know God loves us way more than we love our kids and I love our cat.  It’s pretty cool.  May you feel as loved as you are my family.

Much Love J Cristy

                

2/26/18

Dear Family,

                Sometimes hardship makes people shine!  I would like to say that I would take a bullet if someone started shooting in our lunch room.  We will never know unless it happens.  I have no clue if I could shoot someone though – I don’t think I have ever fired a gun in my life.  If Trump says teachers should carry guns, don’t you think lunch ladies (or men) should? 

                Teamwork is something I value and respect.  When one of my team is out sick the rest of my team is willing to step in, come early, and do the hard work.  I am so blessed by the team at my job.  My heart warms when I think of them and how much effort they give every day.

                Seth still shares his computer with Adriel this blesses me.  Seth studied hard for a test, and I love watching him work hard.  Seth also walked home when Adriel had to stay after school for sectionals.  I am so glad he can do this.  It’s not that far, and it is not dangerous.

                Bobby cooked some yummy turkey gravy and mashed potatoes this week.  Bobby also thanked me for helping out at youth group again.  I do like feeling useful.  Bobby took the high schoolers on a retreat this week.  I was alone.  At first I truly missed them and was sad . . . But, after a couple of hours all was well.  Ripley is great company.  I am just glad the rest of my family came back home safe.

Adriel was sick one day this week.  It was nice that she thanked me for doing some of her chores.  After she was healthy, it was wonderful to see her talkative and cute as can be.  Because she isn’t secretive about her life, I feel blessed. 

                Adriel also cleaned out her room.  This includes trying on a lot of clothes, dancing around, making a huge mess and doing laundry of clothes that were probably clean.  This also equals two boxes to the Union Gospel Mission and one laundry basket full of garbage.  She still had plenty left over.  I am amazed that room holds so much.  AND although she was in the process of cleaning her room she left a big mess over the weekend. 

                To share that all is not a bed of roses and to help Adriel not fall into the wrong crowd I did make this chart because Adriel has not been coming home after school and because she has been leaving her room a mess.  I believe this chart can bring lasting change.  Also, it only took Adriel ½ an hour to earn all her clothes back.  I wasn’t planning on sharing it with you but Adriel shared it with her friends so here goes.

All items are chosen by mom at random	Only happens if items are on floor
Earning clothes	Loosing Clothes
Show me your clean room 1x a day 5 items	Random check reveals messy room -5 items
Come home, spend 15 min at least home.  ASK to do plans.  5 items.  (You may bring friends in, make popcorn, raspberry shakes, chocolate pb shakes.  You may make ahead brownies, rice crispy treats, cookies, muffins, cobbler, apple crisp, cake.  Or you may ask me to make day ahead.  You may offer leftovers.)	I have to call or text and ask, "Where are you?" -5 items
If not coming home TEXT me to tell me where at (only for Band or Homework). 1 item (Telling Seth doesn't count.)
If I am not home TEXT me to ask to go anywhere. 1 item
Draw a picture.  10 items	Be late drawing a picture.  5 items
Show me grades 1x a week. A = 2 items B = 1 item	I look at grades at random.  C = -1 item D= -2 items
1 hug a day = 1 item
Pray before mom goes to bed = 5 items	Scorn = room check
Coming home early up to 5 min = 1 item per min.	Coming home late from event = -1 item per min up to -5 items
Make me laugh (your own stories or videos) = +10 items	Make me cry = all items again
Ask permission to use cell in room = +2	Cell phone in room w/out permission = -2
Keep laundry basket in room more than an hour = -2	Bring laundry basket down within hour of bringing it up = +2
All items will be given when you can put them away nicely.  Never put items on the floor!	All items may be thrown away if torn or inappropriate.  Stop buying clothes.  You have 2 many.

                Adriel’s friends shared how ridiculous they felt this was and included swear words.  That her friends use swear words shows me they are the wrong type of people.  I did include humor so – I am glad she found it a bit light hearted.

                May you find you don’t have to make charts like this one.    May you find in all things that putting your trust in God brings lasting time of joy and peace.  Psalm 25:1 “In You, Lord my God, I put my trust.”  Much love, Cristy

2/19/18

Dear Family,

           

            I love how, “Wherever you go, you bring yourself” (Neil Gaiman).  This quote makes me think of how we are sometimes surprised when others react the same to us in different situations.  Adriel had a funny awestruck look when she mentioned that her friends ran out of patience with her when thrift store clothes shopping.  She said, “I told them my mom gets bored too!”  Poor guys, Adriel has this amazing habit of looking at everything and then, when you think it’s over, that is when she wants to go back and analyze.  She needs to shop with girls.  They might not only tolerate, but they may enjoy this kind of shopping as well.

            Adriel is so sweet and so very, very social.  She hugs me and says, “I love you,” when I let her be with friends.  That girl would be out 24/7 if we let her.  She even goes out when sick and then – poor thing – had to stay home on Tuesday.  She slept it off and was good to go the next morning.  She reminds me of Bobby with how social she is.  Someone mentioned they didn’t know Adriel was good with kids.  I said, “You know how Bobby is with youth?  That’s how good Adriel is with kids.”

            Bobby is wise in his assignments.  I am OK with doing youth group but felt unneeded.  Bobby asked me to help clean up while the rest of the group goes to the gym.  This arrangement is perfect!  It’s quiet, peaceful, doesn’t take much time and I feel like I helped.  Yay for Bobby being wise and that he knows me so well.

            Bobby continues to have a cold.  He is working through it.  I know this won’t end in death, but you can pray for Bobby and the kids.  They are coughing, even in the night.

            Bobby cooked several meals this week, and it was nice to eat, “Real food,” and to enjoy each other’s company.  The kids were frustrated when Bobby didn’t cook for two weeks because he was sick.  They even had me cook a meal and thanked me afterward. 

            I am blessed when Bobby visits his mom and brings home things like muffins or a huge Armoir.  Goodness, it’s nice he has a truck.

            Thanks for your valentines wishes my sweet family.  It’s always fun to get nice mail.

            One evening after dinner, while Bobby and I continued sitting, the kids emptied the dishwasher.  We had to laugh when Adriel called Seth back to clean out the “Silverwarie things.”  When Seth whined a little Adriel said, “Hey, I don’t make the rules.”  Good times, One kid does dishes, the other does, “Silverware and Silverwarie things.”

            Seth cracked a Gardner up this week.  The man came by to give us a bid while Bobby was grilling outside.  When Seth heard the doorbell, he was wondering why in the world Bobby didn’t just come in.  Seth answered the door with, “What do you want?”  Immediately, when Seth saw he was talking with a stranger his face assumed a look of shock and chagrin.  The Gardner had to mention it later with a laugh.  I love how he copied Seth’s deep voice.  Our Seth is only 14, but he’s so manly!

            As we celebrate presidents day today may we pray for all leaders.  May God be the guide of our country and our hearts.  May we find divine presence in our heart of hearts and may we listen to His direction and guidance.  Rev 3:20 says, “ Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  What a wonderful friend to have.  Love

Cristy

           

2/12/18

Dear Family,

            One criterion I have for, “Is this worth whining about?” is, will this matter in five years?  This question helps me put things in perspective.  Sickness passes, insults fade, we can overcome delays, you get the picture.  I will admit this week felt tough but in five years I won’t remember any of the hardships and this is comforting. 

            At the beginning of this week, Adriel and Bobby were sick, Ripley had holes in her body, two of my coworkers were sick (out of 9), and my computer was in the shop.  By Thursday after Ripley had freaked out on the car ride to the Vet enough to get herself bloody I just sat down in my car and cried.  Thank goodness these things pass! 

The vet told me Ripley could be out of her carrier in the car – she enjoyed looking out the window and sniffing the car interior on the ride home.  By the end of the week Adriel and Bobby are getting better, my co-workers healed enough to work, and the tech said I just needed to reinstall windows. 

            Even so, it is good to let stress out, cry and let go.  God is in control, I am glad that I am not.  My time here is temporary.  I am excited to enjoy time with Him in his kingdom.  “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18  Truly, I also know, last week was nothing compared to what refugees face today.  I truly have it good.

            Bobby had a craving and noticed I was sad on Thursday.  He asked if he could help me out with Chinese food.  I said no, and he let it go but . . . But. . . When he SAID, he was craving Chinese food the entire family started to feel the same way.  By Sunday it was beautiful that Bobby brought home some take out.  Seth thanked him three times.

            Ripley was a comfort to me this week.  She may be wearing her cone, but she still plays and purrs.  She just purred as she sat on my chest the other day, and she helped fill the hole that sometimes seems to cave in that very chest cavity.  She poured in the purr, and I love purring.  Purring is symbolic to me of, “I am content, I am happy, I am glad to be with you.”  I love purring.

            Bobby felt healthy enough to go to the men's retreat.  He talked about how funny the speaker was and how enjoyed the company of friends.

            Adriel made another drawing for my book.  She did way more than I expected.  Her drawings bless me.  She also was able to be with friends and have her picture taken.  What nice friends.

            Seth is the master of reinstalling operating systems.  Seth blessed me by installing Windows 8.1 which he says is the safest for privacy.  I am going to trust Seth more.  Also, he helps hold down Ripley for her daily medicine on her wounds.  Seth blesses me in that.  He also gives Ripley fresh water.  She meows in anticipation, and I find it endearing how much he loves her.

            Bobby and I were able to celebrate Valentine's day early since we won’t see each other Wednesday.  It was nice to go out, enjoy good food and each others company.  With over 20 years of back history, I enjoy reviewing some of our stories.  We can laugh about the past, remember the good and be glad to have each other still.

            May you find joy in those you encounter.  May the answer to, “Will this matter in five years?” help you gain perspective.  May you also generate habits that will matter in the years to come.  Much love,

Cristy