Oh No!

Yesterday was Friday. Fridays's are when I go to my youth group, Total Impact. Every third Friday of the month is when we go up to the head youth leader, Pastor Ken's house. I usually go to the church where one of the other youth leaders, Jay gives me and a few others rides there. When I arrived to the church, Jason informed me and two other high schoolers that the youth room was robbed! Though it was kinda obvious because all of the flat screens, gaming systems, and laptops were gone! Someone must have really desperate to steal from the church. Now we are praying for the replacements that we need. At Ken's house we just play a bunch of different games or watch a movie, occasionally we have a huge bonfire and he'll pull out old furniture to burn. Our traditional outside game is Gaga. This is when a large group of people are enclosed in a big octagon shape, we use long wooden boards. When everyone is in, a starter throws a dodgeball against a board. After this anyone is allowed to hit the ball and try to get other people out. If the ball flys out of the octagon from your hit, your automatically out. If you get hit in the head your still in, you can only use your hands. It's a fast moving game and we usually play numerous rounds, it's a lot of fun. The leaders are great. They're funny, nice, and easy to talk to. Oh! And I was also blessed with the opportunity to go to Six Flags with Total Impact as well! I'm so excited! We leave on Tuesday at 8am and don't get back until midnight! I'm also thankful that I have made quite a few friends, some actually go to my high school which I think is cool. Tuesday is also when my Favorite Uncle <3 & Aunt come! Sadly I won't see them until Wednesday, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. And yes Fav. Uncle, you will get to see me work at the fort no. 4 :) Tomorrow is Dad's day, I made mine rice crispy treats, still his favorite. tomorrow will be my big to-do blog about him, so until then, I get to pick on him as much as I can! Hope y'all west coasters have a great day!

Busy, busy, busy, sorta.

The Krulish Clan had a busy weekend! Saturday was our trailer parks yard sale! And my dad and I learned something, don't let Karen run sales... ever. So my dad was about to sell a cross-stitch kit to a lady for three bucks, generous but he wanted it off his hands. So the lady thought this was a great deal, well my mom comes over and sees the lady pull out three. And what does she do? "Oh, you can make him a deal!" My dad has this expression that says, "No! I want that three bucks!" The lady continues with the three and my dad thinks he's safe. But then my "all too sweet" mother of mine tells the lady she can have it for two. She made the lady's day, and us, a smaller profit. He wasn't at all mad but my dad then suggested that my mom should go across the street and have a break under the shade. I also sold some stuff and was please with the outcome. Sunday we had our weekly church service and had two guests, making our church 9 people! My dad works hard to begin bringing forth God's plan. Sunday is also dad and I's date day. Every sunday we do an activity together. We've gone to the shooting range, the movies, good 'ol McDonalds, he takes me shopping which I LOVE, since my former shopping buddy was Katherine, so I was very happy when he said he likes going with me. On Sunday the 10th my dad and I headed up to Keene to go to game stop or "nerd central" as Katherine once called it. I sold my old Dsi stuff and bought four new ps3 games that dad and I played together. My favorites would have to be Ratchet and Clank or Tron. I love date day with dad, i'm extremely thankful to have have a father, especially one that loves me and takes takes time out of his day to be with me. Monday was errands errands errands. We've been getting ready for my uncle and aunt's arrival that is now a week away, we are all excited. Now I sit at my computer updating my life while I wonder about yours. I hope to visit California sometime in the near future. Happy tuesday west coast dwellers!

Anniversary

It has officially been a year since my dad came back to California to retrieve my mother and I. It is also the anniversary of my sister's high school graduation. It excites me to think that her graduating has lead to me beginning my four years of high school. The Krulish's have certainly come a long way in just one year. I remember when my dad first arrived at the airport, I didn't "know him" or at least it didn't seem like I did. Four months without pyshically seeing him or talking face to face had a different outcome on me. While my mom hugged him and cried, I stood with my Nana watching. I remember being told a story similar to this one that happened to me when I was younger, first adopted actually. One day mom and Katherine went to go run an errand, they were my favorites back then I was told. I wasn't allowed to go with them so I was to stay home with big bad dad, who I didn't like at the time. Well then what is a little 2 year old to do when she doesn't get her way? Well I went and pouted on the stairs. I wanted nothing to do with the weird bald guy. But he wanted me, why else adopt me? So I sat on the stairs and he laid on the living room floor. I decided that I didn't like him looking at me so I scooted up the stairs so that only one of my feet were showing. And of course what did the weird guy do? He started to talk to my foot! He'd say, "hello foot" but I moved my foot out of sight. Then I put it back and he'd say it again. When I took my foot away again but it didn't come back. Instead a bouncy smiley redhead came and pounced and gave him a hug. That was the first time I ever accepted my dad. When he came back from NH, I thought of that memory. I still do, sometimes I laugh thinking, "how could I ignore my favorite guy in the whole world?" I love my dad, I trust him, I can talk to him, and he encourages me greatly especially when it comes to my faith. I know that he will never leave me and always protect me. I thank God for him.

I guess someone has to keep the west coast people updated. And who better than the recently middle school graduate,me, Kayla Dean Krulish. This is my first blog entry ever, though I have wanted to do one for awhile. Since the last entry in Sept. a lot has happened to The "Krulish Clan", our church, Hope Mountain, is slowly developing but we are not giving up on our main goal, to spread the word of God to as many people as we can. As we look for new possibilities I have become more excitable about our mission. Now since school is over, hopefully more can be accomplished and summer always seems to bring new possibilities. Summer also brings us blessings, such as a visit from my favorite uncle chris and aunt kathy. Also in July, i'm expecting my sisters Katherine and Kesh for I believe two weeks. I thank God for events like these, they're answers to my prayers. My graduation was earlier tonight at 6pm. I was extremely excited and anxious. I received Presidential Academic Award, high honors, and was recognized for a few other things. Mom prepared some awesome food for my family grad. party. I now can proudly call myself a freshman of Fall Mountain High. There were Struggles at times but Charlestown Middle was by far the perfect school for my first year back to a public school. I'm pleased with myself and am happy to have made my parents and teachers proud. I think what got me through it was God and his gift of friends, my favorite thing to remember when I am doubting or anxious is would be in Philippians 4:13, it says "I can do anything through Christ who Strengthens me." This verse helped me through my move, school, but it also reminds me that my ultimate goal, to spread God's love and grace with a church for Him. So west coast dwellers, that would be the update on the Krulish's adventures, my updates of other events will soon be of your knowledge in days to come. Wish you all a fantastic week!

The other family members

I think it is time for an update on the two smallest members of the family.

Bugsi is in your left, Missi is on your right.

Missi and Bugsi were condo dogs in Santa Rosa. We took them on 4 scheduled walks a day since we did not have a yard in which they could roam, sniff, play and poop. We tried to make one of those walks a longer one for exercise, but our gang was always on the leash as we tagged our territory with pee so that all the other dog gangs would know that this was OUR hood.

Things are different here in Charlestown. Oh, we still tag our hood up so that all of the homies know whose turf they are on, but we often do so without leashes. First of all, lets talk about the yard. We have one. There is no fence, so we just don't let our gang outside without supervision, but they do not need a leash. Come to think of it, hardly anybody out here has fences, but that may be a topic for another day. Bugsi has been known to run after a cat, but for the most part they stay close and come when called. We live on a culdesac (which sounds much better than "dead end," even if you are not French) so there are no speeding cars going through our gang's neighborhood. When we are outside, Bugsi loves to fetch a tennis ball and Missi loves to fetch Bugsi. Missi is a herding breed, so when Bugsi gets too energized Missi tries to put him in his place. Kayla will sit outside after school sometimes and the dogs will join her. Missi and Bugsi like laying in and sometimes nibbling on the grass while they are out there basking in the sun. Another feature of our yard is that it is attached to Marie's yard. Marie is an animal lover, and has welcomed our dogs to the hood. Sometimes when we get home from a drive in the car, Missi gets out and goes over to Marie's house first.

Whenever we take an actual walk, we put on the leashes. Legally we could go without if our gang was under total voice control, but Bugsi is not quite there. He loves to go after birds, squirrels, cats and bugs. He would never go too far from Karen, but "not go to far from Karen" probably does not fit the legal description of "voice controlled." We have a park in our complex and will let them off leash to run and explore there too.

The other thing that the dogs enjoy (which is a total understatement) is going to Nana and GP's house. We were uncertain of how much mom and dad would would want the dogs over at first. We thought about simply having them stay outside when we were there. They do love their yard too, and often play "Fetch the Bugsi" while there. But inside is where the magic happens. Apparently Mom and Dad love the dogs more than we do. They play the role of grandparents very well. Missi actually cries when we get close to their house because she is so excited. The only other circumstance she has ever done that is when we were arriving at Chris and Kathy's house (or is that Kodi and Thor's house) in Santa Rosa.

Here is a picture of Missi's "Can we go to Nana and GP's house please" face:

While there, they always get a "Hello" treat and a "Good-bye" treat and often get "just because we like to spoil you" treats in the middle of the visit. Karen has to pay attention to how much they get so that we can feed them a little less dinner accordingly. GP also knows how to get Missi in a playful and feisty mood. In addition to the treats, they get lots of loving over there. Between Nana, GP, Lori and Jadon they get almost non stop attention at the magic house across the railroad tracks. And last but not least, there is "the runner." Bugsi was Jadon and Lori's dog in southern CA for a little while before they moved here and Bugsi moved to Santa Rosa. Jadon understandably has a sweet spot for Bugsi. They are a perfect match. Jadon is a very good runner. Bugsi is a very good runner. They go out in the back yard and do their thing. Often, Missi will sit there and play "Fetch a Bugsi" for just a moment as they run their laps in front of her. When we went on a hike last week with Jadon, Lori and the dogs it was quite a show. Jadon and Bugsi would run ... stop and wait for us slow folks ... run ... stop and wait for us slow folks ... run ... well, you get the point.

Overall, it has been a good move for the dogs. Like the rest of us, they miss KJ, Amy, Chris, Kathy, Kodi and Thor. But the Live Free or Die state seems to suit the mutts just fine.

Legal blogging

There is a little known law in New Hampshire. Blogging is illegal in the months of July and August if you have lived in the state for less than a year. Live Free or Die obviously has its limits.

Time to play some catch up.

July and August in 2 pictures each:

Here is a shot taken on the 4th in the evening. We were at a local fireworks display, and Kayla dressed for the occasion.

Now for the shed. Kayla helped me to assemble it. I don’t have a picture of the finished product, but trust me, it looks very shed-like.

Pre Irene picture: The smallmouth bass I caught before the local fishing dock was destroyed.

Post Irene picture: My cute 13 year old playing in a puddle during a lull of the storm.

OK, time for some verbiage:

The last two months have been very full. It has obviously been good to have Karen, Kayla, and the dogs here. The house does not feel so lonely. It is great to come home to a soft and friendly place, rather than an empty makeshift bachelor pad. It has been so comforting to have my partner of 25 years by my side again.

On the more difficult side, missing Katherine, other family, and our church family in Sonoma County has been more difficult. That was hard before, but I think that most of my “missing you” energy went towards Karen. Now that she is here, I feel the sadness of the other losses even more.

I knew that I would miss having in depth conversations and spending quality time with people that I have known and loved for years, but I did not think about something more subtle. It did not occur to me that I would miss out on brief, casual interactions that only take a few minutes. I was at Spring Hills Church for 16 years, and in Sonoma County for over 20 years. Hardly a day would go by in which I would not see somebody in passing that I knew. Sometimes we would only say hello and shake hands with a casual “howzitgoin,” sometimes we would talk for just a moment more than that. On Sunday mornings, I would would greet dozens of people that I knew to varying degrees. Obviously some of these greeting would lead to more meaningful conversations, prayer requests shared or humorous stories shared. These bigger conversations are probably more important, but there is something to be said for the casual, quick interactions with people you have known for a long time. I do not have that anymore, and I miss it.

On a more positive note, some good things are happening out here. We were expected to get hit hard by Irene, and our town did not. The surrounding areas did get hit hard, but not so much here.

Kayla has started school, and we are very proud of how she is doing. She has not been in a traditional school setting since starting home school in the 3rd grade. Going in to a new school, in a new town, will all new friends in the 8th grade would be hard for anybody, even a person who had not home schooled for so long. Kayla has been adjusting very well, and making friends along the way. She is still very sad about leaving her friends and family in Santa Rosa, but she is making the best of it and growing along the way.

Karen has been busy getting the house settled, getting to know our new neighborhood and being a superb support for Kayla and I as we go to school and work. She and I have had a light hearted argument over the years in which she incorrectly tries to take credit from me for first coming up with the name of the Spring Hills class “Jam Packed.” Well, I have to give her full credit for being the first to suggest what is now the name of our new church … “Hope Mountain Church.”

Hope Mountain is still a home church at this time. We meet each week in my in-laws’ living room. We have grown, and not just because Karen and Kayla moved out. Kayla invited two of her friends, who have been coming and we invited our wonderful neighbor Marie, who has been joining us too. Marie lives right next door to us, and has been a great blessing to us in many ways.

Prayer requests (since that 1/2 the reason for which this blog was originally created):

Hope Mountain - please pray that we will find the right place to grow, have the right timing in our “launch,” and for wisdom regarding the official structure and organization of our church.

Health - Please pray for dad (Richard). He had a bout with cancer recently and is still getting his strength back. In the mean time, he had a new growth that had to be cut out last week.

Kayla - Please pray for her as she continues to adjust to her school work and social environment.

Katherine - Please pray for her to have wisdom and strength as she juggles college, work, ministry at church and her social life.

Thanks for your prayers. Now that we are out of July and August, I will be allowed to blog on a regular basis again.

My "Charge" to Katherine

A few people had asked for a copy of what I said to Katherine at her graduation party two weeks ago. She said that I could post it here:

In the book of 1 Chronicles, when Solomon was about to step out on his own, David gave him some final instructions. He gave Solomon a charge that I think is appropriate for today. He said to his son, “… learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.” (1Chronicles 28:9)

Katherine, you are an amazing daughter and a wonderful young woman. I am proud of you and I am confident in you. I have loved you for over 18 years now, and i love the adventure that it is being your father. I appreciate your passion, your vitality and your “spiciness.” Your love of the Lord, your family, your friends is evident. Your are beautiful, funny, intelligence and wise beyond your years.

Back in the day I prayed for a long time that you would entrust yourself to the Lord some day, and when you decided for yourself to follow Jesus it was overwhelming and joyful. Since that time I have prayed that you would commit yourself totally to God, remain faithful to Him, and be willing to be used by Him in whatever way he sees fit. I have seen evidence of these prayers being answered for quite a while.

You and your friends have repeatedly called your mom and I “the strictest parents we know.” You no longer have to be worried about that. You have handled your growing freedom better than many others your age, but you are entering an critical chapter in your life. The choices you make as you begin your adulthood are immensely important.

I will continue to pray.

Similar to David’s charge to his son Solomon, there were a few times that Jesus gave a charge to his disciples. Here is one of them, found in John chapter 15

What he said to them is very directly applicable to you. He said, “You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine: you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:3-5)

I am sad that we will not be nearer to you during this time in your life.
But I am glad that you have the support of your church, family and friends here.
Use that support. You will have our help also, but make sure you stay connected to the people here who love the Lord with their whole heart.
Hold on to the Lord when you are doing well and when you are struggling.
When you mess up, keep turning to him.
Abide in him, keep looking to him. Stay faithful to him.

Wherever you live, wherever you go to school, wherever you work, stay connected to the vine and I promise you, you will thrive.