Our team rocks...and a very happy birthday to Kara!

There just aren't that many people who can rock these pink snake skin pants...including Bridget. But she sure did rock the effort. Two very enthusiastic thumbs-up from the birthday girl...happy birthday, Kara! We love ya'!

(I don't usually write on my blog about my teammates, the amazing women that God has put in my life here in MKE that make the everyday so interesting...but I should!  Bridget and Kara are two of those women, and I love them both so much!  Even as I sit at Starbuck's blogging, Bridget has taken Tom and Beth with her as she runs errands, and a couple of days ago, Kara delivered a book to the littles that she been working on making with them.  Our teammates--our friends--love our children, as well as us, so well, and we are so grateful.  We couldn't do life without you!)

Gotcha, Neil!

Nine years ago today, our precious Neil was placed in our arms...it will forever be one of the most wonderful moments of my life. I can't believe it's been so long ago...Neil, I love you forever and ever, no matter what! You are ours, and we are yours. Have an awesome GOTCHA day!

Throwback

In high school, we were inseparable.  This weekend, we got to have lunch together, our favorite tradition--breadsticks at Noble Roman's!

Even after all these years, Sasha knows me well, and my heart was full after our quick and sentimental hangout.

I never get tired of our memories, Sash...I will forever be so, so, so thankful for our friendship.  Love you, Be Frie!

18 months!

18 months of love today...here's Bart hanging out with his favorite Aunt Becky in all the world!

Bart & Gma

This happened today...love seeing Bart getting to know his Grandma and Pa a little bit more every time we come. I think Gma likes him just a little!  ;)

(Isn't my mama beautiful?!)

Number 85

Today my dad and uncle turn 85.  I wish I had been home to celebrate with them, but it sounds like Mom, Dad, Uncle Jasper, and Aunt Gela had a lovely time together...and I'm so thankful.  So thankful that they have each other and that, despite several scares where we thought we were losing one of them, the Goin boys (including their younger brother, my Uncle John) are all still going strong!

I love this picture so much...Becky sent it to me, and when I showed it to a friend, I was asked if Mom and Aunt Gela are twins!  Funny.  "No," I said, "but Dad and Uncle Jasper are!"

It was 85 years ago, so the story goes, that my grandfather waited, anticipating news of baby's safe birth.  After having four daughters, he was hoping, of course, for a son.  That son would bear his name, and when the doctor opened the French doors into the living room, his announcement brought much rejoicing:  "You have a boy!"  Grandpa ran out the door to spread the news:  Jasper Calvin, Jr. had arrived!  Upon returning to the house, joy turned to double joy:  "You have another boy!"

It's hard for us, in the age of 4D ultrasounds, to appreciate the reality that a mother didn't know that twins were coming, but that was life in 1930.  Their family went from six to eight that day--surprise!  And since they didn't have a second boy name picked out--why would they?--my dad was given surnames for his first and second names, as well as for his last:  Hunter (my grandmother's maiden name) Dewitt (her mother's maiden name).

Great story...great legacy.  Dad, Uncle Jasper...I love you.  Happy 85th birthday to you both!

My Heart

Check out the Sweetness that is my daughter...she was up in her new room today, working at her craft table, and this is what she was drawing! Check out the details: hair, eyes, and our favorite colors. (Note: Beth has never known me with red red hair...she calls it "brown", like most people these days.)

How'd I get so lucky to be her mama?!  I love you, too, Beth...always and forever.

Friends and New Years' Traditions

Today, we had our nearly-annual New Year's Day hangout with my friend, Jessica, and her family. Took the kids swimming, walked through the Skyway to lunch, and then ended our time together by going up to the 50th floor of the IDS Tower. See how tiny our huge hotel looks from way up there?!

I am so thankful for Jessica.  Our friendship has spanned almost a decade, and I am so thankful that God saw fit to cross our paths.  I'm excited to see how the Lord continues to work in our friendship as the years go on...

Later this evening, we had yet another nearly-annual tradition, hanging out with our dear staff friends, Dave and Joy, and their amazing brood.  It is a true blessing to have friends on staff who care about the same things we do, and when we think of people who fit that category, Dave and Joy sit right at the top of the list...the Packers, inner city ministry, adoption, and Jesus.  We never have enough time with them, but we're thankful whenever we do get time.  Joy says maybe we can live on the same cul-de-sac in Heaven.  I'll bet she'll have lots of neighbors.  :)

In the above picture, Beth is missing...she was feeling rather miserable, clearly fighting something, and sitting in a chair just a few feet from this circle, unable to make it to the fun.

Happy New Year!

Bringing in the New Year @ TCX....happy 2015 from Hoffbeast, Rex, Neil, and me! As is typical, I've been quite reflective this evening...so thankful for our faithful God who goes before us no matter what circumstances come this year. For Neil, this was his first time getting to stay up with the students to ring in the new year...what an experience!