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!

Twin Cities Experience, 2014

Favorite quotes from TCX:  

"If we rationalize our sin, we are disagreeing with God." -Rick James

"Don't ask, 'What is God's plan for my life?' Ask, 'What is God's plan, and how does my life fit into that plan?'" -Ben Newton

"Sin echoes...and I don't want that echo." -Troy Shirley 

Great challenge on dealing with personal sin areas...praying that many students will not forget what was said!

While hanging out at our Cru Inner City booth, Tom decided to venture down and visit with some of the other staff.  I was upstairs in the room, and suddenly my phone buzzes with a text from a number I don't know....it was a staff girl I've never met, sending me a pic of Tom!

 ‪#‎tcx2014‬‪#‎lotsoffunphotoopps‬

 ‪#‎mysonthesocialbutterfly‬‪#‎imightonlybefiveyearsoldbuticanstillhangwiththecollegestudents‬

One morning, Rex and Neil got to participate in a packing party at Feed My Starving Children...such a blessing that our kids get to learn about children all over the world who are in need through this wonderful ministry!

I love my job!  How is it that Hoffbeast and I have had the great privilege of serving with Cru for this long now?  Twenty-five years for him, and almost 18 for me...amazing!  TCX was encouraging, challenging, and refreshing, and believe it or not, our family of 7 did just fine in a hotel room for a week!

Merry Christmas Morning

Five happy Hoffkids on Christmas morning! Merry Christmas, every one!

Paper Bag Christmas, the Play

Exciting times backstage at The Paper Bag Christmas! Rex performs again tomorrow, but the other cast is fabulous, too. Great entertainment, a wonderful message, and a fundraiser for Children's Hospital all rolled into one.  SUCH a blessing for our Rex to get to be a part of it!

When Jill was here, she captured this image...I love the expression on Rex's face as well as the emotion being shown by his "brother" and "mom".

"Lots of hard work and talent, well done!!" --Aunt Jill  

The Thankful Game, Part 2

Today....what to choose? Well, as I sit here staring at my FB cover photo, I am thankful for my family....my mama, my dad, my brother, my sissy, and of course, the reason for the picture, my wonderful nephew and his bride.  Becky, Tim, Mom, and Dad....how thankful I am for each of you. If we were together around the dining room table right now, the stories would start flowing and wouldn't stop for hours. I love the adventures we had as kids, and I love that we are still journeying together now. Tim, I love picture of us. You will always be my big brother, and I love you very much--and I forgive you for all the times you cheated at "Odd or Even" when we were little. Becky, you were so gorgeous on the day of Richie's wedding--I loved everything about the way you looked, because I think it matched the pride that was in your heart.  Richie, I'll never forget the day you were born...it was one of the most special days of my childhood, and watching you get married in September was a joy. Stacy, we are all so happy to have you as part of our crazy family! You chose well, and so did he! wink emoticon What a beautiful day you had for a wedding!

The Thankful Game, Part 1

The thankful game...call me late to the party or just trying to do things a little differently. (It's both, I assure you.) Either way, I'm thankful today for so many things...how do you choose??! Okay, here we go...today, I am thankful for my sweet boy, my baby Bart. He is a treasure and gift to me every single day. Though I could do without his newfound squeals, I will take them, every one, for it means that when nap time comes, I can sing him our song, and he will snuggle in close. And when nap time is over, he will hold his arms out and give me the biggest grin, and he will put his forehead to mine and move in for kisses. He is the sweetest baby I know, and everyone loves his disposition...how could they not? My heart still longs for my Aaron....for Bart's twin brother to be here living life with us, too. But God knew what I needed, and He knows so much better than I...He is trustworthy and kind, and here is yet another thing for which to be thankful. Thank you, Lord, for giving me Bart to hold in my arms...my heart is full of gratitude.