6/25/2018 Happy Summer!

Dear Family,

                God is truly blessing us through vegetation, fruit and plant sales.  I even had a plant buyer say, “Wow, this is a blessing” after we loaded up her car with plants and it was only $20.00.  I love how God does that!  I am blessed. Therefore I can bless.  The blessings pour over us, and we can’t help but share.

                I am also very blessed by those who came to pick raspberries.  If I picked the fruit by myself (which I did a couple of times) it would take between ½ an hour to 1 hour a day.  I like the raspberries but not that much!  I enjoy the company and that people are excited.  I also love it that Adriel and Seth have been helping daily as well. 

                Bobby thanked me for attending youth group Tuesday.  I enjoyed walking with the youth group and even had extra steps that day.  It was a walking tour of Wallace Marine, Riverfront and Minto Brown Parks. 

                Bobby and I were able to enjoy a date this week.  I am glad we can take time to be together especially since he will be gone for weeks at a time.  Camp Tapawingo will be in full swing, and I know he will be enjoying himself there.

                Bobby cooked some amazing meals.  I enjoyed them the first time, and I LOVE the leftovers.  Yum!!  He is creative and loves the flavor.  We are so blessed by what he creates.

                I am thankful for Bobby’s mother.  She gave us a large container of water and Bobby was able to lift it to fill many of our water containers.  Having bad water has only been an inconvenience for us.  I can’t imagine living in a country where there are no other resources.  We are blessed to have bottles of water, jugs and even free places that the city is dispensing water.

                Seth made pizza once this week.  He also overheard me ask Adriel to team lift an item.  He asked what I wanted to lift and then did it all by himself!  Yay for a strong son!

                Seth is funny.  He bought a game because it was on sale.  He played it, said he didn’t like it, made fun of it and kept on playing.  Sometimes media is so bad it’s good.  I’ll admit I truly enjoyed mocking The Twilight Movies with a friend.  We laughed so hard!

                Adriel was happy to walk with me and sell some raspberries to raise money for Marching Band.  It was nice that she thanked me for picking them.  It was also nice that we have such wonderful neighbors.

                Adriel also gave some of her tithes to a youth group Dodgeball fund (for the Mexico team).  Bobby rejoiced about that. 

I enjoyed walking with Adriel this week.  She wanted to run with a friend daily but found out she hates running.  I enjoyed walking some at Minto Brown.  It is quite beautiful.

May you find beauty in all that surrounds you.  May you know how much you are loved.  May you enjoy all that life has to offer, every breath.  Much Love,

Cristy VanKleek

               

                

6/18/18 Happy Fathers Day

Dear Family,

                God’s blessings are for us all.  This week we celebrate the blessing of Fathers.  We all have one!  I am thankful for a Dad that loves me unconditionally, has raised me well and has always been there for me.  I am blessed to know him and have him in my life.

                I have also been blessed by fruit this week.  School wasn’t out yet, and I had Strawberries, Raspberries, and Cherries looking bountiful.  I also had ordered 30 pounds of Strawberries that were available for pickup starting Thursday night.  Thursday was my last day of school.  I felt overwhelmed by how much fruit I needed to pick and even scared about the thirty pounds of strawberries.  What if I had to cut all the stems off?  How much are 30 pounds?  Aghhhhh!  But it turned out friends on Facebook were (and are) more than willing to pick fruit for me.  The strawberry order was already cut up.  And Cherries dry very well.  I did not feel overwhelmed by the end of Friday.  Yay!!!

                Seth and Adriel also helped pick cherries.  Their daily chore is 100 items per day (weeds, or fruit).  I am grateful they were helping.  We had hundreds of Cherries, more than any year before.  I am glad Seth is taller than me.  He reached the tallest cherries after I picked what I could.

                Bobby had the youth groups over this week which is always fun.  Junior High was over on Tuesday, and High school was over on Wednesday.  I am blessed that Bobby will clean it all up.  He even mopped.

                Adriel came downstairs and sat with me during the Junior High Barbeque.  She is great company, and I love her.  She taught me how to use Instagram, and now I’ll post pictures on there more often (especially since it just copies to Facebook anyway).

                A Junior High girl said Seth is nice to her and that encouraged me.  Seth seems a little on the; Grumpy old man, side of things so I was glad to hear he is nice to people.  That may be why people like him.  Adriel also mentioned Seth is nice to her.  He does carry things for her, and he covers for her whenever Bobby or I think she should do more around the house.

                Seth let me know when Net Neutrality died.  He keeps me up to date on the important things in life.

                I love it when anyone in our family gives me things to sell.  I am very glad to get rid of clutter.  I also enjoy the happy Ebay feedback.

                Bobby loves strawberries and pound cake.  It was glad to make some pound cake on Friday and enjoyed his reaction when he found out about it.  Yay for happy surprises.  Bobby even barbequed his own Fathers day dinner.  It was fabulous, and I enjoyed spending time together as a family.

               

                I am glad Adriel is working.  She has many places she wants money to go.  It’s fun seeing her dressed up so cute and serving.  She is a good worker.  She also has great stories when she comes home.  All people are funny.  She mentioned when it came time for dessert two people just wanted more salad dressing.  Goodness!

                Adriel wanted to watch “Wrinkle in Time” with me.  The new movie was not as good as the book, but it was enjoyable being with Adriel and reminiscing about how she remembers, “A Wrinkle in time” as being her favorite movie as a child.  We liked the old movie better.  Sometimes things are best left in the past.

                  May you find joy in reminiscing and peace for your future.  May you feel God’s leading in your life and may you relax knowing He has your back.

Much Love,

Cristy

               

               

                

6/11/18 Happy Graduation!

Dear Family,

                Sometimes blessings can be a surprise.  Sometimes they are just joy and sometimes they are just the peace in the midst of the storm.  Right now I feel sad because Ripley has not come home since Thursday morning around 4 AM.  She loved being petted that morning and purred but then went outside and never came back.  I don’t know if she will – I have searched all the roads around and see no remains.  As it is, I was blessed with her presence when she was here.  Please pray that she comes back, there is a part of me that thinks she has been cheating on us with a family that might feed her wet cat food.  She has been gone two days before as well – or maybe she chased a mouse far and wide then looked up and is lost.  I don’t know.  Either way, when she comes back it will be a super wonderful blessing.

                Adriel enjoys her job serving elderly people food.  She has a cute bow tie and has great stories already.  One person said, “If I see any more pineapple I’ll scream”.  Another commented to Adriel’s trainer, “She is gorgeous.”   Adriel didn’t mind being complimented.  She can handle it.  Adriel also had another job offer but had to turn it down.  How fun – her applications were finally reviewed.

                Adriel was able to play in the band for her High School graduation.  I am glad she was able to attend and give hugs to her friends.  What a bittersweet time.

                I am very glad Adriel is trying her best to cover her bases.  Before she asked to go to a friend’s house she cleaned her room and bathrooms.  Good for her! 

                Adriel has a very amazing ability.  She sleep-obeyed this week.  I woke her up for church this morning and asked her to sign a card.  She did so and I left for church.  Later I heard she was frustrated that she woke up late???  Apparently, she had no recollection of signing the Birthday card and slept through the entire process!  Maybe I should have her do more stuff while she is asleep!

                Seth does not enjoy walking home but I am glad he is able to when none of us are available to give him a ride.  He’s taller than any of us and we are not worried he will be abducted. 

                Seth continues to love watermelon.  I am glad for that.  It’s a fruit and as a lunch lady, for some reason, I am very invested in all kids eating a fruit or veggie.

                I love how Seth tries to hide a smile.  He came downstairs and wondered what he had done that for.  I said, “To give me a big hug!” and grabbed him, he denied this but I saw him smile.  He’s adorable.

                Seth’s dry humor also entertains me.  He said, “Why in the world did you buy that?”  I said, “It was only a dollar!”  He agreed, “Oh, wow!  They really did force you to buy it.”

                Bobby cooked a wonderful meal this week.  I am so glad he enjoys being creative in the kitchen.  I don’t have to cook and he’s very glad to.  Bobby also thanks me for participating in youth group.  It’s nice that he is glad when I come.  I am glad that Bobby doesn’t expect me to attend the myriad of graduation parties he’s going to.  I have other things to do and it’s OK that I don’t go.  Although, it’s also OK if I do have time for one or two.  There are just so many!

                In this time of celebration and joy may you be glad for the passing of time and for the rites of passage that show we are growing up.  May you embrace growth, change and God’s work in your life.  Much love,

Cristy

               

                

6/4/18 Graduating teens

Dear Family,

                It’s fun to have a week with celebration!  People are graduating, Seth turned 15, and we have been married 22 years now.  What a week! 

                Seth was able to mow the lawn this week, and I am so glad he’s that big.  I came home one day and told Seth, “I want a great big hug!”  He said, “OK” and it was sweet.  He’s a gentle giant.  Later on, I went to my room and even though I promised myself I would NEVER talk to an animal with a high voice I did it.  I do it.  I talk to Ripley high pitched and because Seth heard that voice he came into my room and had to pet her also.  Ripley is so fun – she just takes it in.  She looks at a human and then flops down.  She will even do this on stairs, Ripley will flop down a couple of stairs, no problem, to show us she is ready to be petted.  It’s adorable.

                Seth enjoyed his Birthday of pretty much nothing special.  He didn’t want a cake; he didn’t want any visitors, he didn’t want singing (I did it anyway to him saying, “Stop!”)  When I mentioned that sometimes people get spankings for their Birthday he was surprised and said he definitely did not want spankings.  “Why would anyone do that?!??”  Seth did enjoy spending some cash and was content.  He also enjoyed a shrimp dinner and a Blackberry milkshake.  I did notice some things I could fix for Seth, and he appreciated that. 

                Seth and Bobby did help me weed last week – I forgot to mention it.  It’s crazy how fast weeds grow in the spring.  They are very happy.

                Bobby has his entire summer planned out, and it’s nice to see the calendar. 

                Bobby and I enjoyed some time at the beach this week.  We celebrated our 22 years with wonderful walks on the beach, relaxing, and enjoying yummy food.  It is so nice that the kids are old enough to take care of themselves.  Although . . . Adriel did want to drive to Portland for Krispy Kreme’s free Donut day.  My texted response was, “No driving to Portland while you aren’t feeling so hot, when you have a test tomorrow when you are taking care of your brother, when we are out of town, and it’s just for a dog but.  So not healthy!”

            Autocorrect made that funny.

                Adriel had an interview this week, and she said she got the job.  Yeah!

                Adriel enjoyed going out with me to Arby’s.  I am glad she likes my company and is willing to talk to me, especially if there is food involved.  She is very sweet and feels the same as I do about school.  We are so ready for it to be done.  She also wants a piranha even though we won’t get her one.  I mentioned sarcastically that some people think cats will kill us.  She said, “I don’t want a piranha to pet it!” 

                May you enjoy the people you encounter, the work you do and nature all around.  May you find peace where you are and may you bloom, grow and bless those you know.

Much Love,

Cristy

                

Memorial Day 5/28/2018

Dear Family,

                It’s wonderful that I can look back and say God continues to work in and around us. 

                Bobby truly is a blessing to me.  He cooked twice this week.  The latest was the most wonderful dinner, and I was very sad to see there weren’t many leftovers.  As Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.”  And so I am. 

                Bobby also took a walk with me one evening, and because we were outside, he had me hold the ladder while he attacked and destroyed three wasp nests.  Our protector and hero!  Yay.  Bobby and I also enjoyed a date this week.  He was thankful when I helped at youth group.  Bobby smiled and felt fulfilled when we had a group of youth over to see the old movie, Krull.  It’s fun to see my man happy and satisfied.

                Adriel enjoyed watching the new Solo movie with Bobby.  Because she managed to get a nap in beforehand so was not too tired the day after.  She even said she wasn’t embarrassed to be the daughter of the guy who dressed up with a cape.

                Adriel went to play a game with friends, and I mentioned I was jealous.  She then invited me to come!  How exciting.  When I said, “Yes,” she changed her toon!  Oh well.

                Adriel was very blessed by Grandma Webb this Saturday.  Anyone who will take Adriel shopping is brave and in for a long haul.  I am glad grandma enjoys Adriel’s company. 

                Seth was insistent last Tuesday that he had to get home as soon as possible and do homework.  I was leery of this behavior, but he said, “People are counting on me mom, it’s a group project!”  I love that Seth was thinking of others.

                Seth also mentioned, “It’s too bad you didn’t get upstairs to pet the kittens.”  This comment also shows Seth was thinking of me and I find it very sweet.  We had a potluck for home group, and the kittens had only been there eight hours, so they were upstairs.  I’ll get to see them later, I am sure.

For Memorial day: As we ponder the sacrifices that have been made so that we might be free.  As we enjoy breathing and living may we feel blessed, loved and may our love extend to all those around us.

Much Love,

Cristy

5/21/18 Blessings!

Dear Family,

                Sometimes the meaning of a word can be so different to so many people.  Honestly, I will admit that Saturday Night Live skewed a saying for me.  My definition of “Church Lady” is someone who nags or hits people with a Bible.  It’s not pretty.  When my son got in someone’s face a year or two ago, I said, “Sorry my son went all ‘church lady’ on you.”  We laughed, and she let it go.  (Seth was insisting they bring their children to the main service, not just Sunday school.)  All this is backstory.  Adriel and Bobby were reminiscing about how wonderful their trip to Hawaii was.  Adriel mentioned how wonderful the women leaders were and even one was so nice she was like a “Church lady” even though she probably didn’t go to church.  Huh!  Guess who has the “right” definition of church lady in their head!  Not me.  I am so very glad Adriel thinks highly of ladies that go to church.  I do also – I just hadn’t put it into the correct term.  “Church ladies” are some of the most wonderful, heart connections I will ever have.  I have been re-trained. 

                This week, work was hard.  I called Bobby; he let me cry and told me he would pray for me.  He helped me get thru that day.  There aren’t many days of school left.  Already work is much better. 

                Adriel continues to babysit, work hard, and even did a concert and audition this week.  She is good enough for Wind Ensemble – the highest concert band that West Salem offers.  I am proud of her.  I miss her, but I am proud.

                Adriel enjoyed a trip to Portland with Bobby and the youth group.  She even invited her boyfriend, David.  Bobby can say the word, “Boyfriend” now without any sign of fainting.  Yay!

                I truly enjoy my time with Bobby even if we are doing something silly like making a cape.  He is fun and gets excited, which is entertaining.  I am so glad he’s great company.  He cooked a great meal Monday.  I love how he is willing to make yummy dishes for us.

                Bobby is also very good at helping me word things.  He can look over blessings or a letter and lets me know what is appropriate to say.

                Seth continued to get school work done and mowed the lawn again.  I am sure he is excited for summer when the lawn dries up a bit and when there is no more school work.

                Yay for the anticipation of a break.  May your future be bright, your present be delightful and your past stay where it belongs.  May you be so pleased that any past wrongdoings are forgiven and cleansed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Much Love,

Cristy

PS One funny thing that truly blesses me is a soap my mother gave me that I finally opened.  Mint!  It makes my entire shower smell so good!  I breath in and just feel wonderful.  Funny, smells do that for me.  Good smells make life enjoyable!  Thanks, Mom!

                

5/14/18 Happy Mothers Day!

Dear Family,

I have a joke I heard from Sunday school.  Thanks Hal Washburn.  A professor asked the class to look out the window.  “Do you see the birds?”  The class replied affirmatively.  “Do you see the trees?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see God?”  The class responded, “No.”  And the professor said, “That’s because there is no God.”  A student responded with, “Do you see the professors tie?”  The class said, “Yes.”  “Do you see his shoes?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see his brain?” 

I am thankful for my mothers; biological, in law and adopted.  I’ll even say I’m great full for those who mother me, take their time to bring me along and show me the ropes.  I hope you all had a wonderful day.  I sure did!  Yay for restaurants and great cooking.  Yay for a family that loves me and yay for youth Sunday.  How fun it was to see the kids up on stage or in the back working hard to showcase themselves.

Bobby preached great even though he doesn’t like it.  Bobby also worked hard organizing all the youth volunteers.  They handed out bulletins, greeted people coming in, passed around the offering plate, sang, spoke, manned the soundboard and handed out Mothers day flowers.

Bobby took the AC unit out of under the house and installed it.  He knew the hot weather is coming and is now prepared.  He also made a wonderful chicken meal this week and continues to make the bed every day.  I am so glad my Bobby is good company in general.  Bobby visited his Mom and Sister this week.  I am so glad he can spend time with them and listen.  I am glad there is love!  Bobby also arranged for he and I to play board games with the Fenn Adults.  I hadn’t relaxed that well in weeks! 

I am so thankful for our prayer group.  This week especially I needed to change my attitude from, “They aren’t hiring at my job, and I NEED three more people” to, “How can I make this work?”  I went in angry and came out with a better attitude and direction.  Crazy but true, stopping cookie sales helps.  Turning to God helps!  Leaving my burdens at His feet, asking for His direction – even in obscure places like work.  Yes, God is full of wisdom, turning to Him is the best decision I keep on making.

Seth mowed the lawn this week.  He’s so funny, the first day it started to rain, so I understand why he had to stop.  The next time he just did a bit and then the third day that week he finished up.  It takes so much time to clean the mower I would do it all at once.

Adriel was very sweet to me this week.  She was purposeful, and it was nice.  Adriel also fixed our washing machine!  It takes strength, dexterity, and determination to do this.  It also took about an hour and a half plus some cuts.  We paid her of course – I had called an appliance repairman, but then I remembered this one never calls back and before I could call another one Adriel said she would do it.

Adriel babysat several times this week, and it’s fun hearing her stories.  She was with a two-year-old as her first babysitter ever.  How special J.

Ripley likes being in Adriel’s room.  I find this sad but understand.  Adriel’s room does smell good.  I like being there as well. 

May you be kind to all you encounter.  May you find peace, knowing that God loves you.  May you follow His example and forgive those who wrong you.  Much love,

Cristy