9/28/25

 

Dear family,

 

Ah, the beginning of school, new starts are always fraught with the unknown.  I remember dreaming of going to the wrong class or forgetting to wear pants.  I am so glad I don’t have to go to school anymore.  Yet I am glad our children persist even in their college years.  Paying to learn is terrible but it’s tradition in our family so I am glad Seth and Adriel continue to strive towards a degree. 

Middle school youth are so fun.  During the message Bobby mentioned that a bad combination would be ice cream and ketchup.  One student became very excited, “I would eat that!”  Oh dear.  Another student laughed so hard soda came out of his nose.  Poor guy, his quote of the night was, “It burns!” 

The High schoolers also focused a bit on the soda.  On the way down to the youth room a student was saying how soda machines at school are  over $2.  The machine in the youth room is stuck at $.50.  She said, I think of that price and then say, “I’ll wait.”  One young man has a habit of spilling soda so he put the can far from his chair – between where Bobby sits and we do.  Another student followed in suit and this resulted in many people pretending they would kick the full can or tip it over in some way.  Bobby was chagrined.  “Why would you put it that far out?”  And the answer, “Because it will spill when I put it under my chair.”  Well, the inevitable happened, one did spill anyway.  Such is life.  Later . . . during the lesson . . . Bobby had to mention that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God like people who spill drinks on our carpet.“ The young man piped up, “Bobby I’ve been clean for a while!”

I delight in the antics of those I have the honor to spend time with.  Our youth are so fun.  May you also find joy in the people around you.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 PS I am working on a new book.  This time with some of Adriel's drawings and some AI.  How fun.

9/21/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Youth group has started up again!  Hooray!  Bobby is explaining how we can grow in our relationship with God and it’s great.  He also explained that being a baby Christian only lasts so long.  He had us imagine four chairs; the left one was smaller and the ones to the right got bigger as people matured.  He said, “We don’t want to stay in the baby chair our whole lives.”  One student moved a chair to the right which was funny.  He proved his desire to grow by hopping a seat.

               Two lovely middle school girls sat next to me, and I felt so special and chosen.  I do have relationships with them already but, that they came to my assigned seat was lovely.  I sit behind the rowdy boys so I can “flick their ears” if necessary.  LOL, don’t worry, I don’t actually do it, just threaten.

               High school group was also delightful.  I enjoyed the people so much and yet it was sad.  One of our families moved to another state so that was their last week.  We will miss them very much.

               I have to mention this because I think it’s hilarious. In an effort to comfort myself about being cheap I posted a picture of my cut finger on “Next Door”.  This is a place I felt anonymous and yet could get some advice (scorn if needed) if it was that serious.  I mean if all your neighbors tell you to see Urgent Care . . . Well, most people said I should be fine and gave over 40 posts of advice which cracks me up.  My finger has a following.

               Adriel and Seth remain a loving example of how great a parents we are.  LOL it’s true but funny how I had to make it about me right?  Anyway, Adriel convinced me not to use Temu (Yes, I spelled it wrong on purpose) because of child labor.  When I looked it up it wasn’t just child labor it was forced child labor that was a risk.  I can’t shop when someone shows that to me so blatantly.  I am sad, they have adorable, cute, items that are cat themed. ☹.  Above is a picture of our cat to soften the T blow.

               May you also find wisdom from the young, strength from our Lord and grace from His forgiveness flowing in and through us.

               Love and Hugs, Cristy 

9/14/25

 

Dear Family,

 

I enjoyed phone conversations the most this week.  One day I called Adriel and she didn’t answer.  I then called Seth because if I can get them both on the phone that can result in a fun conversation.  Seth was, “In the middle of something.”  When I alluded that a lot had happened since our last talk he just said, “Um, I don’t think I can do two things at once so, sorry, I’m going to go.”  Adriel then called back.  She was in the middle of planning a BBQ, working from home, talking to me and several other people.  She eventually did hang up after some pleasantries.  I had to laugh because both of my children are and have been so, so different all their lives.  How fun.

Tuesday night youth group had a BBQ for the middle schoolers and Wednesday night for the High School group.  It was amazing food, great fun and “The game of things”.  I love that game!  One question said, “Things that take too much time. . . “ Answers included, “Talking with Bobby, deportation, training a spouse,” I am NOT saying any of those are true but I am saying there was a lot of shock and laughter.  Another was, “Things I have too much of,” Answers ranged from, “Opinions, to clothes.”  We were supposed to guess who said clothes and a boy pointed to the girls, “One of their kind.” Was his guess.  Another was, too much, “Rizz”  When people guessed a certain person he said, “Not me (I didn’t write it), but I do (have too much rizz)”, Also, “boyfriends”, and “dresses in my closet” were some pretty funny answers.  I enjoy the laughter.

We had a special guest appearance and the toddlers antics were much appreciated by all.  Especially when Ronan took some lavender and ate it – just – raw.  This brought curiosity and several of us had to try it.  I did later from my own garden – how interesting lavender tastes pretty good, all by itself.

I asked for and received a very short hair cut.  I love it because it bugs me when hair gets into my face or eyes.  Bobby isn’t very happy – he did pray that it would grow fast.  Seth doesn’t care but I told him he could at least say, “Nice haircut.”  Bobby said, you can say, “You are still pretty.”  It’s funny how our outward appearance does affect others.  Care or not we can notice and be nice about it or mean.  I mostly don’t care about what it looks like.  My hair is going to be crazy no matter what kind of cut I have.

One incident did make me smile every time I remembered it.  Music day is once a year.  I remember being a host when Adriel was in band.  I was bringing band kids door to door to ask for cans, cash or check.  Many a youth was terrified to talk.  I enjoy being prepared so we had a check ready and taped to the inside of the door.  They rang the doorbell at 9:30 AM which felt quite early for a Saturday.  Yet, there they were in full band uniform.  Before they could say their not yet memorized talk I handed them the check and the response was fun, “Awesome!”  I still smile, thinking of all the times there was so much angst.  I can support the music program.  I believe it’s good for people to train their brains in that way.

May you also delight in supporting causes you believe in.  May you find joy in knowing you are loved, cared for and cherished by your creator.  Hugs, and love, Cristy

 

9/7/25

 Dear Family,

 

               I am so glad we had time to gather on Labor Day.  I enjoyed spending time with friends and our kids.  I enjoy time with those close to us.  Bobby and Costco made strawberry short cake and it was delicious.

               The rest to the week went quite well.  I enjoyed seeing Bobby when he came back from his trip to fish with his dad.  They didn’t keep any fish for us to eat but Bobby came home with beef.  That was fun.  Bobby made shepherds pie and it’s gone already.

               In the time I had without Bobby I have been plugging away at getting my best book so far into Shutterfly.  It’s a process because I made the text three colors in different parts so that is tedious but it’s coming along, and I am getting excited about it.

               Adriel mentioned she is happy, and I am glad for her.  She is moving into a new place, still has two jobs and one class to finish for college.  Her future looks bright.

               Seth mentioned he will continue to walk to church even when he gets his car back from the shop.  I guess a transmission is hard to fix because Harolds has had it over two months.  The walk to and from church is a pleasant one when it’s not raining.  Well see if he still wants to do that walk in the rain when he has a car.  Bobby doesn’t.

               May you find joy in knowing our Lord, wisdom in seeking His will and love for each person you encounter this week. Love and hugs, Cristy

9/1/25

 Dear Family,

Bobby left for a camping trip with some youth, and Rich Duval.  I feel blessed that I can hold down the fort and have evening dates with friends.  I so enjoy teaching someone to drive, going out to eat with another, helping her move, prayer group and having time to be with people I love.  Yes, I love Bobby and I’m glad when he is home.  But even when he is not home, my life is so full and wonderful.

I also enjoyed a peaceful evening to myself.  Puttering around the house, cleaning, enjoying the silence and having time to do whatever I want.  Ahhh, such a feeling of freedom.  I love that.

Adriel and Seth chatted with me Thursday for my lunch break and I enjoyed talking to them both so very, very much.

It was so good that Bobby came home safe and sound.  He had some fun camping stories to tell and that was nice.  This week we did go to the fair one day.  So many things to look at! So many shows!  The racing pigs were so cute I cried tears of joy.  When the announcer said they were racing baby dianosaurs I had to laugh.  The little girl next to me was incredulous, "There's no such thing as baby dinausoars!  Well, sheep in dino costumes was good fun as well.  (Pictured above).

The fire dancer/acrobatics of another show were so amazing!  The entire crowd was gasping, oohing and in awe.  Some people are great at their jobs.  I did imagine how they could loose their job though – if the trees catch fire on a toss, if a person let’s go accidentally of their partner and, yikes.  Anyway, as an older person who now sees many creative ways people loose their jobs that’s where my mind went.  Also – repetitive motion injuries.  His neck is going to feel that later (as she is spinning and only being held on by a strap on his neck).

Ahh, then the building with massage chairs, EMS units, food and makeup samples.  After three massage chairs didn’t make my cut (not digging into me deeply enough).  He said, “Well you need a new bed then.”  Bobby asked, as I was trying out a new bed, “How did you get over here?”  My over relaxed body said in bewilderment, “I don’t quite know.”  We enjoyed ourselves greatly 😊.  No need for rides, I was sore enough from being on my feet all day.

How fun to have excitement come to our doorstep.  May you also enjoy God’s people, critters and joy as he delivers divine appointments, OH YEAH, we saw so many people we know and it was super fun to catch up.  How delightful!  Also wearing our Rooted youth group shirts was a conversation topic which was fun.  Yay God!

Anyway, may you enjoy God’s timing, beauty and creativity in creation.  Much love, Cristy

8/25/25

 Dear Family

               Last week was pleasant. It feels like there isn’t much to write about, but God brought to mind several things.

               Our friend Adam preached a Sermon a while back that had Bobby featured in it.  The first illustration had me completely grossed out but by the end of the sermon I was crying so – that was neat.  The interesting thing is that although I feel I might have heard these stories – they were presented through Adam’s eyes, so they took on new profound meaning.  And that’s how it is when we read the Bible or hear it through sermon as well.  If you would also like to listen to the sermon it’s at https://branches.tv/messages?sapurl=LythY2FhL2xiL21zLyszMnBocWR6P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQmZ0bjNoNGs=

(You will have to search for Adam Pinkston’s name and if you want to skip the music it’s about a half an hour in.)

               The youth group did go on a trip to get ice cream on Wednesday night.  I enjoyed our chats.  Watching people grow up is such an honor.  They start so small.  Then they are taller than I am, and I love that.  Sometimes they are silly and sometimes our talks are serious.  How fun to enjoy a deep conversation with someone you have known for years.

               Adriel and I enjoy talking on the phone.  She plans on moving soon so please pray for her wisdom as to where to move and with whom.  The destination has been iffy, but I think she may have found a friend of her roommate that will fit the bill – someone responsible.  Yay!

               Seth has almost run out of housework because he has been so diligent AND because not watering in the summer means less weeds.  The garden is manageable and that is an amazing blessing.  Last week he cleaned cobwebs off outside lights and did some weeding in the lawn.  I feel so blessed that he works hard and is helpful.

               I have felt motivated to add my latest book to the Shutterfly archives.  It’s an expensive way to get a book printed but because I want my books to be hard cover it’s worth it to me.  I don’t have any visions of grandeur, desire to travel the world selling my books or thoughts I might become famous any more.  The books did not sell themselves. Even so I do want a way to get them printed for gifts and I only have two of the latest book left.  I’m on page three and it’s pretty tedious.  Please pray with me that I stay motivated if God wants me to do this.

               May you also find strength in doing what you think He wants you to do.  May you enjoy His blessings, His love, His comfort and any AC you find.  Love and hugs, Cristy

              

              

8/17/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Color wars was the highlight this week.  Bobby planned for everyone to have white shirts and this made everyone want to participate more.  That is the first time I have received any color at these events.  Usually, I stay clear and feel respected.  This time I had some hugs and felt loved.  Interesting.  Either way, we have new comers who are curious what kind of church does a color extravaganza and that is fun.

               Seth continues to help with the house, this week he washed the outside windows.  I really appreciate the help.

               Bobby has been home and I have enjoyed his presence immensely.  We did have a date night this week and it’s fun to just be together.  I enjoy that he cooks and love that he makes our house smell good. 

               Adriel made it home safe from her second week of camp and I am glad for that.  She is constantly on the go but sounded healthy and tired.

               I am excited for the future and glad for the past.  May you have memories to warm your heart and plans to give you hope.  Much love, Cristy