Thank you!

Dear Family,

                Thank you so much for your prayers!  Seth came through surgery great.  They pulled four wisdom teeth and he was feeling fine the next day.  He even said he had minimal pain.  Wow!  Seth thanked me several times this week for taking care of him and cooking for him.  He’s so sweet.  Seth even felt up to mowing the lawn this week.  I am thankful for his help around the house.

                Adriel continues cleaning her room.  So far she has donated 5 big boxes.  How her room fits that much stuff is a clown car miracle.  The other day Adriel was coming downstairs.  I said, “I hear my one hug a day coming” and she did J - she gave me my hug with a smile.  Adriel is back in Arizona.  Please pray with us for her safe return. 

                Bobby was so happy and proud to see the kids had good grades last semester.  I enjoyed his enthusiastic response and praise of Seth (the only one home).  How fun to see our younglings doing well.  I enjoyed walking with Bobby some this week.  I love that he’s willing to go outside with me. 

                Please pray for Bobby as he is a camp counselor this week.  He has 11 boys in his cabin.  I know God will do great things.  May our prayers help them all.

                May your summer bring you happiness and Joy.  May God fill you to the brim, spilling over so you love all those you encounter.  Hugs, Cristy

PS This picture is from my garden.  It's a very happy garden.

It continues!

Dear Family,

                This was an extrovert week.  Adriel and Bobby enjoyed many graduation parties.  Visiting with people is their favorite thing to do.  This week filled them up.  I attended several for a while.  Seth, zero.  You can tell who is energized by being with friends and who is not.  Although . . . Seth is with friends on headphones so – I don’t know.  Everyone enjoys being with friends to a degree.

                Adriel is now working more hours.  Her job says she is doing well.  Without school she has more hours to give.  Tadaaaa!  Good for her.

                Adriel continues writing thank you cards and reveling in your generosity.  I especially love the Hydes note.  “Dear Adriel, you don’t know us but we know you and love your parents.”  How sweet kind words are.  Thank you, Wally and Ginny, for kindness and love.

                Seth is glad school is over for many reasons.  One is that the walk home was sometimes in 97-degree weather.  We did have a very hot week.  I am so thankful the weather has calmed down to the low 80’s. 

                Seth has blessed me in his willingness to pick raspberries.  Yay, Seth.

                Bobby was happy to receive a gift at a grad party.  The family knew they would see Bobby there and were able to bring him back something from their trip to Disneyland.  It made his day.  How fun.

                Bobby was happy to cook his own amazing meat for Fathers day.  He really likes cooking.  I am glad he was able to relax and enjoy his day.

                Seth came through having four molars pulled today.  There were no complications.  Please pray with us as God heals him.

                May Gods blessings warm your heart.  May you depend on Him for strength to grow in wisdom, bless others and do His will.

Much Love,

Cristy

Graduation!

Dear Family,

                It used to take two months to prepare for a party.  This time I condensed it into two days.  Wellllll, actually, when I think of going through all our photos.  That did take two months.  Either way, I am so thankful for my co-workers who did fine without me while I took some time off.  They are a blessing and I trust them.  They did great.

                Bobby worked hard this week.  He mowed the lawn, cooked, rearranged furniture, and was an amazing host.  Bobby also cooked one dinner this week but told me I wouldn’t like it.  No problem there.  I love cereal and peanut butter sandwiches.

                Bobby volunteered at Adriel’s graduation party.  After an all-night extravaganza, he plopped into bed at 5 A.M. excited and chatty.  “I could have gone on all night.  It was great.”  I believe he is either crazy or amazingly gifted.  It probably takes both to work with youth.  Bobby is a true extrovert.

                Bobby was overjoyed with your participation at Adriel's Graduation party.  Thank you all for coming.  He said, “That couldn’t have been a better party.”  It was nice to have adults and high schoolers over.  When we have a Junior High party there is usually an element of running so our house feels like a pinball machine.    

                Seth went to Adriel’s graduation.   Adriel was surprised he left the house and said so.  His response, “They made me,” just brought a knowing smile.  Of course, we did – I am glad we didn’t have to twist his arm.  After the graduation ceremony, Seth and I were both cold.  On the walk home I held his arm.  I told him, “I hope you don’t mind me being close, I’m cold.”  He said he was fine with it. 

                Adriel noticed and voiced appreciation for how much work we put into her graduation party.  Later she said – “I didn’t know how many people would come!  I was wondering why you were making so much food.”

                My parents are a true blessing.  I am so glad they came a day early.  They forced me to relax and enjoy myself.  They helped prepare for the party.  They warm my heart and bring me joy.  They are patient with my desire to walk for hours.  Without them, I would not exist. 

                Sundays Sermon was spot on and straight from God to me.  I am so blessed to sit under someone who listens to God, preaches from His word and helps me feel conviction  I am blessed by Pastor Marcus.

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                May you also be blessed by God’s messengers.  May you listen, take it in and respond.  May you trust those around you and may they be worthy of that trust.  Much love J

Cristy

Celebrate!

Dear Family,

                It’s time to celebrate!  Happy Birthday to Seth who is 16, Happy Anniversary to Bobby and I.  We are 23 years married.  Happy Graduation to Adriel.  Woo Hoooo!!!  How wonderful to hear their deep voices, see them so grown-up and to experience their maturity.  Seth thanked me for waking him up on Sunday.  What a great guy!

                Pastor Marcus looked over at Seth during announcements and mentioned he is 16 that day.  The clapping was fun.  Seth did turn a bit red but he smiled when I asked later how he felt about the announcement.

                My friend Heidi Kravitz had to tell me a story about Seth.  Heidi was walking towards Seth when she saw her young daughter behind him.  Heidi said, “Hey Baby, How’s it going?”  Seth said “Fine” deadpan.  Heidi was wondering if Seth was joking.  Then he noticed her child and said, “Oh.”  My friend said she will forever call Seth her Baby.

                Seth approached me several times to say his verses this week.  This warms my heart!  By Friday he recited Colossians 2:6-21 all the way!  Yay Seth.

                Bobby brought home one doughnut that had been sitting in the hot car for a while.  I tried to eat it but the frosting mostly came off so I left the naked item in the doughnut box.  Seth came over with, “So there is no frosting on it?”  He seemed willing to eat anything in a doughnut box.  Then he saw and said, “It’s not even a doughnut any more.  It is just a sad bagel.”  He left it.

                Bobby and I had a wonderful week.  We walked and made new friends.  We spent most of the day together Memorial day and Saturday and it was great.  I cannot express how wonderful it is that Bobby and I get along.  These are not empty words.  Becoming one took a long time and included hard years.  God is the reason for the longevity of our marriage.  Yay God! 

                Bobby made some amazing dishes this week.  One focused on Seth for his Birthday.  Bobby knows how to make a day special!  Bobby also got up at 1:55 AM Sunday to listen to someone’s verses.  That is dedication!

                Adriel spent Memorial day cleaning her room.  She brought four boxes to a thrift store.  Good for her!  She is getting ready for college life.  Adriel received a scholarship and grant to Chemeketa.  She does want to graduate from WOU eventually.  For now, she is excited about being paid to go to college.  Why rack up debt now?  I think she is smart.  We are so proud of her.

                I enjoyed attending the Senior Awards night.  Adriel won several academic awards.  My favorite part was when she decided to skip the socializing and went out with me to Lime Berry, just us.  It was nice to spend some time with her alone.

                I am so blessed that our Mexico team was willing to do my dirty work.  They did a great job weeding the entire yard.  Such hard work!

                For those who sent cards, texts and gave congratulations in person.  Thank you!  How fun and exciting to celebrate true accomplishments.  Much Love,

Cristy

Time to cook!

Dear Family,

                All our ins and outs.  All our comings and goings.  All the normal everyday things we do are made possible by those who fought, fight and even died for our freedom.  I am so thankful for the legacy they have left because of the freedom I have.  I am also thankful for a day to contemplate how wonderful God is.

                This week Bobby surprised the Middle School group by bringing them out to ice cream at McDonald's.  This group is easily excited so it was fun to swamp the store, see Adriel’s friend Jarvis, and take a picture of the adventure.  On the way home the kids started chanting, “Hit that car.”  This was reminiscent of the chant “Move that bus” on a tv show so it made Bobby’s day.  What made his day even better was the great theological questions during the lesson.  The kids were asking about free will, predestination and how that all works.  Maybe Bobby should take us out every week!

                Bobby cooked Shepherd's pie, scalloped potatoes, steak, and Tuna Sandwiches this week.  I sure did luck out!  Bobby also mowed the lawn this week and went to Adriel’s concert.  He was excited to know several teens in the band.  Bobby said he will be sad not to go to any more concerts.  I reminded him that next year Seth will do robotics.  Bobby wondered out loud if Seth will tell us any of their names. 

                Seth approached me once this week to say verses.  I was happily surprised.  Turns out Bobby was on deck and Seth prefers to say the verses to me.  Either way, I was glad to listen.  I am also glad to trade hugs with the family.  They are still here for now.  Yay.

                We also enjoyed a great potluck at the Fenn’s House for our home group.  I believe Seth will cure every cat of its desire to be held belly down.  Seth likes to cradle cats and eventually if they live with us, they have all given in.

                I love Adriel’s drawings.  I love how she thinks through my words and creates something perfect for the mood I am trying to portray. 

                Adriel mentioned to Bobby that she wants to learn how to cook.  Interesting that she approached him!  I was glad to see them cooking together on Saturday.  How fun!  Adriel made Bacon Asparagus with garlic.  Yum!  If she wants to learn how to bake, I can teach her.

                May you find joy in everyday activities.  May you share love with those you encounter.  May God fill you, lead you and guide you.  Hugs,

Cristy

The brave stranger!

Dear Family,

            Winning the heart of a child can feel like one of the most precious gifts.  Sunday I was in the nursery waiting for the little ones to come.  Our first ‘customer’ Regan came in, happily walked in the door, opened her arms to me and snuggled right in.  How precious!  She knows me from weeks past and has always loved me.  This Sunday she was especially cuddly.  I also enjoyed a party this Saturday where I chatted with co-workers at a 1-year-olds party.  I enjoyed winning the heart of Paisley. That she reached out to be held felt lovely indeed.  I find it a rare treat to have little people cuddles.

            I enjoyed some drama this weekend.  Bobby and I were taking a walk in the park when we saw the Kravitz family.  They are so full of life and fun!  The kids are pre-school and grade school age.  Bobby was teasing Elsie by taking her scooter.  Her dad yelled out, “Hey, that man is stealing your scooter!”  Bobby began to ride away on the ‘stolen’ goods.  He got about 15 feet away when a small boy Kindergarten age ran up and attacked him.  Bobby thought it was big brother so he hammed it up and fell with exaggerated moans.  Meanwhile, the stranger’s parents were alarmed.  They had no clue why their little boy had attacked. The boy gave Elsie her scooter back and several of us clapped for the little one and he raised his arms in the sky.  He was so brave

            Bobby did an amazing and wonderful job on youth Sunday.  The youth did greeting, ushering, giving testimonies, singing, playing instruments, child care, and Seth helped in the sound booth.  Bobby preached a great sermon, led the youth well and was so glad to be done.

            Bobby also cooked a yummy dinner.  Seth said, “Dad should cook more of this, it’s great,” as he was eating leftovers.  I also enjoyed playing games with Bobby and the Fenn’s.  How fun to enjoy friends, have time to compete and be silly.

            Adriel is growing up and contemplating how she will go about graduating from WOU.  She opened her own checking account and got her own debit card.  Good for her!  Pray for wisdom as she contemplates starting out at Chemeketa Community College or not.  Adriel continues to draw one drawing a week and I love her artistic ability.  She is amazing!  Cute but true.  Adriel thanked me for having extra shampoo on hand.  She did not have to go to the store, just storage.  I am also glad Adriel went to a Birthday party for her friend DJ on Saturday.  I said I would go but I was having so much fun at my co-worker's party I did miss DJ’s.  Adriel and Bobby represented our family well.

            Seth continues to hone his verses. He is saying three at a time.  Wow.  He mowed the lawn and continues to walk home.  I am proud of how he does not mind helping out in the sound booth.  He’s a great guy, my Seth.

            May you enjoy the activities God has for you.  May you be glad what you do is His will.  May you love those you encounter and may you earn the hearts you work hard to love.

Hugs,

Cristy

Rules

Dear Family,

Realizing the life I have is a blessing can be the best blessing of all.  I had some horrible dreams one night this week.  Waking up to find they were not real was so refreshing!  I am so glad to live where I live, doing what I am doing. 

I asked my cat Skyra if she wanted to come with me in the car to pick up a prescription.  Seth said, “Take her through the car wash.”  This I will not do.  It is nice that she jumps into the car to be with me.  I took her to the vet on Saturday for a wellness checkup.  All I had to do was sit in the car, door open for a couple of minutes and she jumped in.  I think she would never do that again if I brought her through the car wash.  The kids cried the first time I brought them.

I had a horrible cold this week.  The sweet blessing from this is that I am getting better.  Also, Seth and Bobby separately asked me if I needed anything.  That was sweet of them.

Seth mowed the lawn this week.  I am so glad to have help.  Seth also walks home from school.  It gets him outside, gives him some exercise and gives him vitamin D.  I am glad he does this even though he does not like how hot it has been.

I love how Seth doesn’t mind helping with ministry.  He smiled and handed out flowers to ladies after church.  He got up on stage and sang with the men.  It’s part of his rule following attitude.  If it is a rule, he does it.  Fair and simple.

Adriel and her ensemble group did well this weekend.  I am glad for them.  I also got a couple of hugs from her this week.  I am glad the kids are still available for mother’s day.  We enjoyed a yummy meal where I noticed Seth also cannot remember what food he likes.  Bobby is the best at remembering what we ordered last year and reminded us what we like.  The family has decided Seth will have to find someone who loves Seth as much as Bobby does and remembers for him what he likes.  That is quite an amazing trait.

Bobby has made even more dishes on the smoker including brownies that taste amazing.  How versatile.  Thanks again, mom.

Bobby rearranged the garage, washed his car and made sure mother’s day went well.  What a great husband!  We also had a fun date this weekend and a fun walk on Sunday.  I am blessed to love and be loved by my husband of over 20 years. 

May you also love and be loved by those in your life.  May you find joy in caring, giving and being cared for.  May God be your ever-present help in time of need.  Hugs,

Cristy