Back on Line!

Well, I am back on line. I tried to get on the blog all last week and my computer wouldn't let be get on line. But here I am.

Kristy, you better keep a close watch on Josiah. He is a little young for the "girl thing"! I am almost done with my Christmas shopping and I still have some wrapping to do. Our trip to Mexico was our kids Christmas gifts so Christmas shopping was very light this year.

Rebekah, since I was home today, I listened to a Matt Kaufmann sermon. Grandma has sent be 2 so far. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. He is doing a great job. I was totally blessed.

Also Rebekah, I am not sure about Seth. He seems to enjoy it and he is talking about taking some more Spanish classes. So who knows, if there are replacements or if he doesn't "fall in love" with someone, he probably could easily stay another year. Who knows? I do know that those kids have a way of crawling into your heart and it would be hard to leave them.

We are so looking forward to Christmas. I really missed be with the family over Thanksgiving. Leah has a final on the 17th and it is over at 4:30. So she will be very late for Christmas and is majorly bummed!

Since, i didn't go to church today, i missed our program. So I am looking forward to the Bloomington church program Sunday. Speaking of programs. Mark and I went to the Purdue Music Christmas Program. Marie, i thought of you. It was wonderful and we really enjoyed it. I was amazed at how professional it seemed. Also Marie, I was shopping in W. Lafayette last week and ran into your Mom and Dad. They were at the food court eating Chinese!! It was good to see them again. They are such friendly people.

Well, we will see you Saturday.

Love,
Aunt Barb

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

Good morning girls! Are we still alive and kicking out there? I suppose we're just getting a little busy this time of year. Is anyone finished with their Christmas shopping?? I'm SO close! Chad and I hopefully will finish this weekend. We got a beautiful snow! About 4 inches. Not too much to make it miserable. How about the North Eastern Indiananites?? Did you get more? (Seems like you usually do) ;)
The kids are doing pretty well, other than Josiah - I'm gonna take him to the Dr this afternoon. He woke up with his eyes matted and puffy and 1 of them is pinkish. :( I'm pretty sure I know what he has. He also has been holding his ears today and crying owie. So he may have ear infections, too?? Not sure. Over all, he's pretty happy, thankfully! Kelsey has her Christmas program at church this Sun afternoon, then Tues night at School! Looking forward to those! She's getting so big!
Abbi's crawling everywhere and getting into everything she shouldn't. Now she's pulling herself up and 'crusing' the furniture!! Bekah...Josiah STILL wants to come to your house!! (He keeps asking, "Bekah's House")
Well, I'm looking SO forward to the Hoffmann Christmas NEXT weekend!! WOW! Hard to believe. Well, I'd better keep going-hope you all are doing well! Love ya! Kristy

missing gloves

matt has been missing his brown leather gloves ever since Thanksgiving with the Hoffmanns. We're wondering if anybody has them with their stuff by chance? Matt's poor fingers are getting really cold!!

It was good to hear from you, Aunt Barb! I'm glad you had such a good trip. Do you think Seth will want to do this long term (as in longer than a year or two?) We missed you guys so much at Thanksgiving. It will be good to see you at Christmas.

Well, I better run for now! Love you guys,
Rebekah

Bekah's lil admirer

Here's Bekah and her little Buddy! He got SO attatched to her last weekend...it was precious! It was Bekah this and Bekah that. When he woke up Saturday morning, He asked for Bekah! We saw her in church Sun for Wendy Hodel's wedding, and he tried to follow her outside after services. Chad grabbed him, and he cried and cried....I see Bekah! I though this pic was pretty cute - they were (obviously) playing catch. Aaron...you've got some competition! ;) I think he will be pretty excited to see you get married!! We Missed you Gerber's SO much, but we were praying for you! Hope Seth is doing well! It sounds like he is from his 'updates.' And yes, we'd love an update! (pic's included) ;)
Well, gotta keep going! Love you all! Kristy

Hello,

We missed you all over Thanksgiving; however, we had a wonderful time at Casa Vida Y Esperanza (House of Life and Hope). It was great being with Seth and seeing him at his work.
Seth seems really content and in his element. I am so impressed at how well he communicates in Spanish. Of course, he thinks he has a long way to go. He asked for a book called 501 Spanish Verbs, for Christmas. Now that sounds like work to me!

The kids have a way of crawling right into your hearts. However, they are boys and there are times when you don't know if you should hug'em or hit'em! Seth is pretty strict with them.
Jeff Beer was gone for two weeks, so Seth was on his own. In March, when we go on a work team, Jeff should be there and I think Seth will be more at ease.

It was really hard coming back to the cold Indiana weather. Down in Magdalena it was very cool in the mornings and evenings (sweatshirt weather) and warm and sunny during the days(70s). I don't expect Seth to come home after a year...but we will just wait and see.

We are looking forward to Christmas, though shopping hasn't been in my vocabulary yet!

Have a great week and I hope someone else blogs soon.

Love ya lots,

Aunt Barb

Hello Girls

Hope all is well with everyone. Gerbers--we'd love to hear all about your trip to Mexico, I'm sure there's a story or two from the children down there. We missed you at Thanksgiving, shopping just wasn't quite the same. How's Josiah doing Kristy, still talking about me? That was so funny! I'm not sure who has my name...or what you're planning on getting me, but on my note I put movies, just a clarification, I'd rather have a DVD than a video....but whatever, I'm flexible. So I'm sure you've all heard but I got my wedding dress! I'm so excited about it, it's more beautiful then I even imagined it!
Can't wait to see you all at Christmas!
Love,
Booxy

Good morning fellow Hoffman Gal's!

How are all of you on this fine, crisp morning? :) I am listening to Christmas music, trying to convince myself it's ALMOST HERE!!! My hubby was shaking his head at me last night when he came home and I had the music playing! He has this 'rule'...NO Christmas music until Thanksgiving is over! But I just can't understand that, since it is all celebrating Christ's birth! Why are we so limited to celebrate it for only a month?? :) So, I just go on listening to it throughout the day, and when he gets home...off it goes!
Well, I know some of you were praying for little Micah Gerber - Byron and Lisa's baby. He passed away last week, and as you can imagine, it has been very difficult for them! They really need to be uplifted in prayer...I talked to her yesterday she said she just doesn't have any desire to go on anymore. She aches to be with him so badly, but yet she knows this is God's plan, and that he is safe in the arms of Jesus. She also said she feels she has no purpose here anymore. So please pray that God can carry them through this, and that they can grow stronger in HIM! He was just a few days shy of 6 mo. Well, I thought I would include the web site they had for him throughout his life, as well as the web site for the slide show of his life here on earth. It is SO touching. They had it playing at his visitation. The Journal of his life is very long, but I would encourage you to skim through some of it, if you are at all interested. I would deffinatly suggest looking at the slide show! Well, I'd better keep going! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and we will miss you, Gerber's at Thanksgiving!!!! :( But tell Sether's a BIG HELLO!! We miss him. But are praying for him. Love you all!
Kristy

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2455614&alb=0
that's the slide show

www.caringbridge.org/visit/gerberbaby
and that's the journal/guestbook

home from Florida

Hey girls - Clint and I just got home from a week in Florida!! We had such a blast. Were with Chad and Kristy the first night and then with our friends, Rock and Sharon O'shea and Ben and Kristy Luginbuhl! We partied hardy!! Every day was in the 80's (do you hate me now!) :) Sorry, I'll stop. We were very excited to see our girls again. It was so fun to come in. We hugged and hugged and kissed and laughed! Coming home is always great! We talked to Paige a few times on the phone while in Florida. She is growing up so fast. On one conversation I told her, "I love you, Paige!" She said, "thanks, bye!" :) I just laughed and said, "wait wait wait, do you love me." To which she replied, "I do." What a girl I have! :) Mom Kaeb was taking the girls on errands and told Paige that they were stop at Grandma Hoffmann's at the end. Paige was very excited but while driving, she fell asleep. When they got to Grandma's, Mom tried waking her up but to no avail. Paige slept the whole time and woke up while in the car on the way home from Grandma's. She was so upset that she didn't get to see Grandma Hoffmann. She is a fan!!

Hope you all are doing well. Rebekah and Matt, we are definately praying for you and the whole Kaufmann clan during this transition! God is in Control! Love you all!

Jami

Life's so busy!

Wow, summer vacation plans already! Way to go Aunt Barb! The blog has been quiet lately, no funny stories of your children lately girls? Or are we all so busy we don't take the time to blog? I keep thinking I have nothing interesting to say, and thus don't blog...but then again my life is rather exciting these days. But what do I say, wedding plans....lots of them, Mom is doing a wonderful job keeping me in line. I'd rather forget about the details and just enjoy engaged life but Mom reminds me that I do have a wedding in two months that must be planned. Aaron's been busy with his surgery rotation, he's learning a ton, but doesn't think this is what he'll do when he's done with school (hurray!). Showers and thank-you notes are keeping me busy...that and trying to get addresses for all my friends, I feel is this never ending project. I'm sure you can all relate. Thanks again for our wonderful shower, I really enjoyed it!
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Love you girls a ton!
Booxy

THINK SUMMER VACATION!

Hey everyone,

We just made reservations for June 9 - 12, 2006 for the Highlands in Gatlinburg, TN.
There was a deal we just couldn't pass up. Buy two nights and get two nights free!
I realize that all you Bloomington people will have to miss the last night of Bible School and I am sorry for that...but when grandma is footing the bill--we want to be good stewards.

Hope all will plan to come. If it doesn't work out for one family or another, please let us know.

I am pumped up! Think vacation! Think Mountains! Yes!

Love,
Aunt Barb

The blogs been pretty quiet lately!

Hey everyone,

Not a lot of activity on the blog lately. Are we still checking in here?

I know after the excitement of the weekend things might be a little quiet today. We rejoice with Bloomington church in getting a wonderful new addition to their pulpit. We are so jealous (with a godly jealousy!!). We are praying for the entire Kaufmann family as they all melt into this new way of life.

Rebekah, your gentle spirit and kind disposition will be such an asset to Matt and will become a great source of encouragement. May God continue to walk with you as you serve in just a little different capacity than usual.

I love you all and I am praying,
Aunt Barb

Group Picture

Here is the whole costume party!
L-R: Mark and Angie Reinhard: American Gothic Painting
Nathan and Rachel Mueller: Joseph & Mary (Rachel is pregnant)
Michael & Jane Reinhard: a classy couple from the 50's
Kole & Amy Meyer: Graduates (nerdy ones)
Klint & Sarah: Lucy & Desi

CUTE picture of the Kauffman clan! I want to squeeze the little chicken!

Love-Sarah

Trick or Treaters!

Sarah, you and Klint look great. That was such a neat idea. You have every detail of Lucy and Desi down pat. Send us the picture of your whole party.

Thought I'd share a picture of the little Trick or Treaters who came to our door. I may be prejudice, but aren't they the cutest little bride and Bob the Builder with their little chicken you've ever seen? Bonnie

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

Hello all---
Last night Klint & I went to a Halloween Costume party. Can you guess who we dressed up as??? We had alot of fun. We even had time to go Trick-or-Treating after the party. We felt like we were kids again!!! Lots of fun. Love to hear from some more people. The blog has been kind of dead lately.
Loveyaall
Sarah

Friday pizza party...

Hey all-
It's been a while since I posted something. Friday night, Bekah & Aaron had pizza at my dad & mom's. They invited us (isn't that weird--get invited by Bekah to my parent's home), Mark & Angie Reinhard & Tim & Christa. Of course Mom & Dad were there and Liz too. It was alot of fun. We had a chance to get to know Aaron and Tim a little more!
Looking forward to seeing you all at Bekah's shower this weekend! Rebekah, adorable picture of Darci!
Love ya all, Sarah

Darci

Hi there. I thought I'd post this picture of Darci that my sister Heidi took of her. I like the picture so I thought I'd share it with you...and I thought it was time to have something new on this blog!! We've got to get some life back into it!!

Tonight we had a pumpkin carving party and potluck at our house. WE co-hosted it with Andy and Marie. It was so much fun! Grandma's rolls and tea rings were the prizes for the winners!

WEll, I better hit the hay. love ya!

love,
Rebekah

Here's The Clan!!

Hello, ladies! Just thought I would post this cute pic from the weiner roast Sun! WOW, what a clan! What an awesome weekend we had and the weather was beautiful! I felt so bloated when i got home sun night...I was so exhausted, but I went out and walked-I ate WAY too much desserts! But they were worth it! ; ) mmmmmm. Well, have a good night, all, and we'll talk to you soon!

Love ya! Kristy

Sunday Weiner Roast

Good morning ladies,

Boy a lot has been going on. So sorry to hear about Jami's dad's scare. Thankful he got help right away and that he took an aspirin. Wow, we just never know.

Hope Josiah is back in his routine again. It is amazing how a drug that is suppose to help can affect some one so differently.

About Sunday-- There will be a baptism meal with a hot sandwich which we are all expected to eat . Because of that I am not going to fix barbeque. We will still have weiners etc and of course our desserts. Because everyone will be around you can come to the weiner roast any time after 3:00.

Praying for a blessed week-end. Bonnie

ah....he is perfect for you bekah!

Hey all -

Hope everyone is doing well - Oh, Kristy. . . I feel for you! I hate nights when kids are up and out of sorts! The boys (simon and jonah) are finally starting to do better. Megan told us at bible study that Simon slept until 6am and Jonah until 4am which is GREAT for them! Interestingly enough, Raegan woke up at 3:30am that same night!!! Isn't she too old for this?!? Actually she has been waking up around 2:00 or 3ish everynight for that past week. She is teething. . . but it is HARD to get up - especially when you expect a full night of sleep. I have learned that in parenting - you need to expect the UNexpected! As soon as the kid is in a routine . . . it changes again! That is life!!

And Bekah!! I am so thrilled for you. Aaron does sound like such a great guy!! It's awesome seeing you so excited and in love! God is good!!

Have you all heard about my dad?? Earlier in the week, he was exercising and about 5 minutes into it had to stop because of pain in his left arm. He immediately thought "heart" and took an aspirin. It stopped. The next day. . . same thing. Then the day after he decided not to exercise - went out to get the mail and on his way back he felt pain go up through his arm and to his chest. It stopped with aspirin but he decided to call in. The doc. told him to go immediately to the E.R. They did testing and found nothing until they did the angiogram (i think that's the name) in which they found that one of the main arteries to his heart was clogged 85-90%. They did the balloon method and cleaned him out. This process took 2 1/2 hours (on another patient - same process took 45 min.) because it was in a tricky spot. Actually while cleaning him out - they actually clogged up another side artery and he had a mild heart attack!! Fortunately - he is doing well. Came home on Sunday and should be completely normal soon! Doc. said that if dad had ignored those symptoms he probably would have had a heart attack! Strange thing is - Dad had only one of the common risk factors - High Cholestoral. You never know. . . God is GOOD! We were on our way up to Michigan for an adoption conference while all this was going on. I just can't believe it happened to my dad. It makes you realize even more how quick things can change! May each of you live today with peace, joy, and grace!

LOVE YOU!!

Jami

Welcome Darcy Jean!!! =)

Congrats! Matt and Rebekah! We're thankful everything went well! Can't wait to meet the little one! Hey, Bekah! That's such a sweet story-Ahhhh, the days of new love! It's amazing what 8 years and 3 kids can do to you! So enjoy it!! =) So do we get to meet this guy next weekend??
Well, my son has been a little messed up lately! The other day he got a misquito bite on his eye and it swelled up so much when he woke up in the morning he couldn't even open his eye. So, we had gotten some Children's Benadryl Allergy, and gave him another dose before bed! Well...let's just say we'll never do that again!!! He was awake half the night! He came down to our room, (which is a first-he normally has a gate locked at the top of the stairs-but it wasn't latched) and laid in bed with us for a little, but that sure didn't last long. I took him back upstairs and tried to lay down with him, but he was just wired! So desperate for sleep I laid him down in front of a movie. Yet ANOTHER mistake. I had gone back to bed, due to extreme exhaustion, and awoke shortly to him yelling!! at the movie. (Not mad yelling...he was excited) We got him quieted down and a drink, and locked the gate to his room. When chad left for work he said he was sleeping on the floor. But when I went up in the morning to get Kels up, he was back in his bed?!? Then the following day with much perseverance, I tried to get him to sleep, but the little stinker wouldn't even take a nap?!? I think that stuff must have about a 48 hour after-effect! Then he was up again this morning before 6!!! So...I am requesting your prayers that he can get back into a normal sleep routine, and this 6:00 thing isn't becoming a new habit for him!! Well, I've rambled on WAY too much, so I'll get going and we'll see you all next weekend!!

Love, Kristy

From the love bird....

Thought you'd like a picture of Aaron and I. Engagement life has been exhausting but fabulous!
So I'm trying to think of a fun story to write....maybe.....well, Aaron was planning how we would meet on Saturday to head to Alto. We were going to meet in Lansing and drive over together. Once we got to Lowell we were going to meet his best friend from high school for lunch. Well, Aaron asked if I would mind stopping at the welcome center in Michigan to pick up a map. I guess it's this map that Frank (his friend) needed before he was heading up to some cabin. So sure, I didn't mind stopping. So I stopped at the welcome center and realized it's like this huge room full of maps! I was a little concerned about trying to find this infamous map. Well, as I was looking around I heard "Bekah I think they want this one" and turned around and Aaron was there! Hee hee, it was all a plan to get me to stop at the welcome center to suprise me! What a great guy. So he drove and hour and half out of his way to pick me up....more quality time in the car, it was great!
So there's my sweet romantic story for you all. Now everyone can smile at me and sigh, Aaron really is perfect for me....
Booxy

Hey all...

How is everyone? Like Jami, I love reading the updates. However, I don't have anything exciting to say. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. Kristy, great pictures. I especially liked the one with Aunt Brenda and Josiah! It looks proffesional. Rebekah, congratulations! I am so excited for you guys (and love the name!) I hope Josh can adjust well.
The most exciting thing here is our Bluffton Street Fair. Its pretty big-time. Klint and I have been there every night so far and plan on going tonite too. I pretty much go for food and fellowship. It seems that you can hardly take 2 steps with out running into someone you know. Its fun!
Well, just thought I would post something. Glad to hear everything is going well. Cant wait to see you all in a few weeks!!

Loveya Sarah<><

Long time no post!

Hey all - I realized it's been a long time since I've written in. I have been reading and enjoying though!

A BIG congrats to Matt, Rebekah, and Josh for their sweet new baby, Darcy!!! I love the name, Rebekah!! Isn't Darcy a girl in Pride and Prejudice or one of those movies?? How'd you pick it?? Bekah showed us a picture of the sweet girl last night in church. Can't wait to see more. I'm so excited for you, Rebek to FINALLY have delivered your girl after all those annoying contractions!

Kristy - I looked at the picture of Abbie and thought she looked so cute and big... didn't put the 2 and 2 together that she is now sitting up until I read further. That's great!!

Have a great day all!
Jami

The Northerner's are back!

Hey, all! Not sure if you even knew or not, but we went to Northern Wisconsin last weekend with M&D Kaeb and Clark! The weather was BEAUTIFUL!! Fishing was very slow, much to the guys' dismay, but Dad had a 35 incher! So that was exciting. Anyway, I just thought I would post a couple of pic's from the weekend. Hope everyone's doing well, and glad to hear the foreign traveler's are back safely! =) Well, I should be going to pick Kels up from school! See you all in a couple weeks!!! YEAH! PS-Abbi's sitting up now!! Just thought I'd show you!

Love ya loads!
Kristy

if you're up at 7:00 AM you can pray for me...

Hi girls,
it's me again. I was just wanting to write and let you know that I went to the doctor today and I am 4 cm dialated and 70% effaced. So they are going to induce me in the morning! YAY! I am so ready to finally get to see and hold this little baby. so if you think about it you can pray for us. I just want the baby to be healthy and that I will be healthy and nice to Matt during labor :)

well, josh is sleeping in his big bed again tonight...completely oblivious to the change that is about to take place in his life tomorrow. I hope that he adjusts smoothly to the new sibling. I guess that is another prayer request.

well, i better go now.

Love,
Rebekah

We're Back!

Good Morning Hoffmann Gals,

Yes, we are back and in the swing of life again. We had a wonderful time and saw amazing sights. And met amazing people. Our Hoffmann cousins were very very friendly, loving people. They would love to meet you all when you travel to France. They treated us like we were celebrities. They even had the newspaper come and interview us and take our picture. It was very overwelming. Maybe Uncle Denny can figure out how I can post some pictures.

Wasn't it nice for our little granddaughter to wait for us to return before arriving. But now that we are home we hope she comes soon. We all are getting really anxious.

Did you all get your message about the Hoffmann-Walder weiner roast after Clark's baptism. Actually it is at 4:00 at the church house.

Love you all and I pray for each one of you, Aunt Bonnie

nothing exciting....

HI girls,
I just thought the blog needed a new post so I thought I'd just quick put something on. I'm still around...pregnant! I feel like everytime I set foot in public everyone's asking, "You still around?". I went to my doctor appointment today and I'm still at 3 cm and 60% effaced. So, at least I'm progressing in the right direction.

Tonight Matt is at his night class. He'll be back around 9:20. So, it's just Josh and me. He's wanting me to read "The Cat in the Hat" so I'm going to have to quit here pretty soon. Last night he slept in his big bed! Yay!!! So, maybe this will become a habit! I think he felt pretty grown up when he got up this morning and could just climb out of bed and come to our room. That's the only draw back...he gets up earlier now.

Well, Mom and Dad sound like their having a great time. They e-mail about every other day. It'll be good to have them home again.

I better go now and pay Josh some attention.

Love you guys,
rebekah

Wedding Plans

Wow....so much to do, so much to do! No actually things have been going well. As I'm sure you've all heard we've set the date: January 15th 2006. I've found my dress already, well ordered atleast. Now the bridesmaid's dresses are another story. Yeah...let's just say I know what I want and definately what I don't want...but can't seem to find the right dress. Everything these days is so immodest! Everything is strapless or worse! Ahh....patience, I'll just keep looking, and if all else fails we'll find someone to make them.
The European travelers are having fun. Minor times of stress as they travel Europe without knowing the language, but they say it's worth it. They're currently in Switzerland and that it's gorgeous. Ahhh...don't we all wish we were there!
Anywho, love you all tons!
Booxy

word from the crazy cats

hey hey...i just got this email from my dad, thought i'd pass it on!...some of the stuff might not make sense to you, since it was sent to a big group of people...but hope you enjoy...

Hello all,

We have spent a day and a half in Paris, and it has been more than we ever dreamed. It"s just like the movies, kind of a magical place. Perfect weather has contributed to our wonderful experience.Today we hoofed it to Notre Dame, the Louve, the Opera, the Concorde, the Arc de Triumph and finished with the Eifell Tower.

Steve, tell Karen we've got three days of walking in one day today.All four meals we've eaten have been in sidewalk cafe's. No sense of anti Americanism, but then again, we're spending our Euros here.

Sarah and Liz, you would love to see the way the women dress. Out of thousands of women, we have only seen four pair of shorts and they were probably Americans. Many wear skirts. Many are peasnt type skirts with skanky blouses.Food is great, language is an experience. We were told things would be dirty, but we have not found it so. However our foreign travels to date have been Mexico.

Seth, we trust things are well for you; K and S, we hope the Smokies are enjoyable and Liz, we hope you are studying HARD.


Deb, you will probably receive a copy of this email from Steve. You have our deepest sympathy, yet we truly rejoice with you as your mom has received her reward. We'll be prayerful as your family moves forward without her.

Tomorrow we leave this wonderful city and travel westward toward Barb's third cousin, Daniel, and then on to the Fatherland, Swithzerland. Can't wait.Not sure when we'll next have internet access.

Love to all.
Mark and Barb
Liz, if you care to forward this to any of the Hoffmann's and/or the Hoffmnn Blah, have at it.

Lonely in Bluffton...

Hey all!
How is everyone? Bekah, what a great picture of you and Aaron. Very cute couple. And I hear the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses are already picked out...you make me sick (o:
Kristy, adorable pic of your little brave kindergartner!! I can't believe she is that age already. So glad to hear she is adjusting well.
Rebekah, I will be praying for you as you are in this final count down. We are excited to hear the news.
Well, Mom and Dad (as you know from Bonnie's post) are on there way to Paris right now. I hope I don't go completely out of my mind these next 2 1/2 weeks. Klint & I just stopped over here tonight and discovered that mom finally got up the nerve to put our cat, Feliz down. I didn't get to say goodbye to him so I am kind of distressed. Blah. Seth is doing really well in Mexico. Last night, he had to have the Wed. night service/Bible Study in front of everyone in spanish!!! He said it went well, but it was really short and he doesn't know if it made sense (o: Can you imagine????
Tomorrow Klint and I are leaving for the Smokies with three other couples for the weekend. We are staying in a 4 bedroom cabin. So I will be roughing it out on Chimney Tops sometime this weekend(o: I am sure it will be a great trip, I am a little apprehensive--I just need to settle down and not get so bent out of shape. Is it selfish to ask for prayers? I am kinda going through a crazy time right now. A MAJOR season of changes. And you ALL know that Sarah and Changes don't go hand-in-hand.(o:
Sorry to go on and on. I am really enjoying this blog. Its so encouraging and fun to keep up with you all. Hope you all have a great labor day wkend!!

Love you all--Sarah

Here she is!

Well, Here's my little school girl!
We changed internet provider's, because we were having so many problems, and this downloaded in seconds! I tried posting pictures before, and left, and came back a half an hour later, and it was still downloading!! I'd say we had a major problem! We had dial up, and would get disconnected constantly...so now we have dsl, and already loving it! Bonnie, hope you have a safe trip!! We will be praying for you both! Have a wonderful day, all! Kristy

We're Off!

Hello everyone!

Well what a crazy life. Uncle Dennis and I leave in 2 1/2 hours for 16 days in Europe. Rebekah could have her baby at any time [we thought the baby wouldn't come until we were back for 2 weeks]. It looks like we will not be here when that precious baby is born. I hope that sweet little baby will forgive us for not being first to the hospital to see her. We will be praying and praying that all goes well for all 4 of them.

Also, I have had 4 days to make phone calls and start lineing things up for Bekah and Aarons wedding. The date has been set for Jan. 15, so mark your calendars.

Uncle Denny's back has been really bothering him lately, so pray that the flight and trip go well for him. So with all these things on my mind, pray that I can relax and enjoy this trip. God is good and inspite of my stress there is a wonderful inner peace. How wonderful to leave an Almighty God incharge of all these concerns.

So happy Kelsey is doing so well at school. I'm glad Leah's time at Purdue has gotten off to a good start. Thankful that Seth is doing well in Mexico. I'm anxious to hear how Wed night went for him.

I pray for all of you and hope to read the blog in Europe.

Love you bunches and bunches, Aunt Bonnie

What A Babe!

Bekah, you guys look SO good together!! I can't wait to meet him in person...he looks very nice! You've got my approval. ;) (like you need it)

Barb...how's Sether's doing?? are you able to keep in touch with him very well? It's pry mostly by email, huh. And Leah, how are you adjusting to college life?? Hopefully it's not too hard!

Rebekah...still hanging in there, i assume, since I haven't heard anything yet. =) Hope you're doing well-what's the update, by the way?? anything change yet? Well, Kelsey is going all day now, and loving every minute of it! She informed me that today 4 people had to move their clothespin's (that means they had to be warned for misbehaving...move it 3 times and you have to sit in the time out chair) But she quickly said...'But NO girls had to move their clothespins!!, and I'm never gonna get my clothespin moved!!" I certainly hope she's right! =)

well, ladies, I think i'd better get dinner together. (even though it's just leftover's) Have a good week!
Love and Hugs to all! Kristy

Aaron and me!

Hey Family....just wanted to give you all a picture of Aaron and I. Isn't he handsome? AHHHH I'm getting married...how fun is that! Love you all tons, thanks for all your prayers.
Bekah

WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!

Bekah - WOW!!!!!! We are SO excited for you! God IS Faithful!! You sound so happy - I loved your email! Can't wait to see pictures and hear more. Looking forward to seeing you on SUNDAY!! BEKAH'S GETTING MARRIED!!!!!! (there...since I can't tell anyone - I'll just SHOUT it over email!!) :)

Rebekah - I'll be praying for you as your big day draws closer. I just love giving birth!! :) Such a neat experience!

Have a great day!

Jami

My baby's growing up!!!

Hey, all! Well, my little girl is now a school girl!! =( I've been trying to post her picture of her first day, but i'm having problem's...it keeps freezing up. You gotta love computers. But she's LOVING it, and doing great! Mom did pretty good~ the drive home was a little sad, but I just prayed for her and surrendered it to God! Just pray that God will shield her from evil as she grows up and is becoming easily influenced.

BEKAH...CONGRATS!!!!!! How exciting!! Can't WAIT to meet him (or see a pic) ;) We are SO happy for you, and are praying that God will continue to guide you.

Barb...if you could email us seth's address and info, that'd be great! And lizzie, you too!

Rebekah, I'm praying for you in these final stages!! It's exciting, but exhausting as well! Praying that Josh will adjust well too! It's a big adjustment for them! Well, I'm anxiously awaiting a face to put wth the name, (aaron) so I'll keep checking this!! =)- Love ya all! Kristy

Bekah's Getting Married!!!!!

Bekah, well it looks like the cat is finally out of the bag. big congratulations to bekah and the entire kaufmann family. looks like grandma hoffmann is going to get a new suit!! we will totally welcome aaron into the family. it will be exciting getting to know him. bekah, remember the half way point is ft.wayne. i hope you will meet here at least one weekend during your engagement so we can get aquainted with aaron.

Rebekah, i'm excited that you are getting closer to having that precious, little girl; however, you need to relax a bit until denny and bonnie get back from our trip. bonnie will go bonkers if she is in europe when little suzie q. arrives!!

Leah, don't have to much fun at purdue. and remember you are there to aquire more knowledge and expand your intellect!!

love you,
a. barb

Finally...a post from me;)

"Jesus saith unto her, 'Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" John 11:40
Yes, it's been awhile since I've written on our wonderful blog....but there's been a little distraction in my life...hee hee...So first of all I want to thank everyone for their love and prayers through out the last couple weeks, and really the last several years. As Christ reminded Martha, He's reminded me to trust Him. His world is so much bigger then mine...and boy haven't I realized that. Whew, I'm not sure what all to share on this Blog...since it's not completely confidential...and Sunday is quite a few days off....secrecy...promise everyone? Just kidding...well kind of. I was going to wait till I had a picture to put up...but that will be coming.
OK OK so I'm so rambling! Just wanted to let you all know that Aaron Plattner is going to be joining our family...so try to make him feel welcome! AHHHHH.....this is so crazy! Yeah, I don't know what else to write...there will be more to come!
God is so awesome and so BIG....why do we ever think we need to help Him out with our future...He's got it all under control.
Love You ALL,
Bekah

go boilers...

hey all...just thought i'd update you on my life...i'm having so much fun here at purdue. everyone is super nice and i feel right at home here...it's actually kindda weird how comfortable it feels...but yeah, classes are going really great...marie, i'm taking that class w/ tom turpin just b/c you told me, and i LOVE HIM already...he reminds me of a teacher i had in high school...but yeah...tonight is my night to cook....quesdillas...so we'll see how that goes....but yeah, it's been going pretty good...and i'm not to overwhelmed quite yet;)....roommates are great...jodi is probably going to get sick of me following her around...so, thanks for praying everyone:) i love you all so much! it's great to come on here and read this!
liz

Update on the Pregnant Lady...

I'm sure you are all dying to read this!! :) I just thought I'd share that I went to the doctor today and found out that I am dialated 2 cm and 50% effaced! I'm hoping that means maybe I'll possibly go early. I'm just so ready not to be pregnant anymore! I know the sleepless nights and all that comes with a new baby are going to hit me with reality but I think I'm ready for it.

Other than that, nothing too exciting going on in my home. I was in Ft. Wayne on Saturday and part of Sunday this passed weekend. I kept thinking it was weird to be that close to Gerbers and not get to see you! But I was escorting my Grandma Huber to see her sister in the hospital, so I could exactly leave and go where I pleased.

Well, I better go now. i just thought I'd update you guys.

Love,
rebekah

Warning--watch for the delete button!

hello ladies,

you will notice i am not using capitol letters. the reason is ...i am typing on mark's laptop. whoever designed these laptops put the delete button too close to the shift button. anyway, when i shift i hit the delete button and wipe out whole paragraphs. then i get frustrated and i just quit typing. if i quit using the shift i'm back on the page again!

well, we are now empty nesters. seth seems to be doing well in Mexico; however, i think he could use a few prayers for his spanish. his email this morning said he is improving. it is amazing how much better my attitude is when we get an email from him.

lizzie called after her first 2 classes as she was walking to the bookstore to pay out major money for books that i hope she reads!! in her first class, she turned around and saw someone from the bluffton young group. she was pretty excited to be in a class with someone she knew. our house is much quiet without her chatter.

klint and sarah have been stopping over more often. i think sarah feels sorry for us! we will get to a new normal pretty soon.

last night i went to bed and i thought about all you young mothers with little kids. i thought of all the times i would have loved to have one night with mark without kids... and here i was and i was too sad to appreciate it!! friends that have been through this stage say i'll get over it really fast and may not want them back next summer!!

well, i'm blabbing on and on and saying next to nothing. have a great week! and remember you are loved.

a. barb

Grandma's on the Blog!!!

Hi Hoffmann's. I'm with Barb and Mark over the weekend. We went to vistit Grandma Gerber at the nursing home and had lunch with her. It was very enjoyable. They had set up a table for four in a nice room for us; and we had a "party".

Then Barb and I came home and snoozed on the sofa until Sarah came and Leah with her many friends. She had gone out with her school friends for lunch and now this evening with her church friends. Because she's leaving for school at Purdue.

Brenda and Dave will be coming home this evening from the Leo Children's Sale and we'll hear the events of the day. Then we'll have root beer floats and kettle corn.

I am really enjoying reading the Blah. I love you all very much!!

Love and prayers

Grandma

our no air scare!

Hey all - It's been awhile since I've posted so thought I sign in! Leah - you do look beautiful. I love seeing pictures! Kristy - your dad looks pretty cool bald - wish it was of his own choice. We are praying for him and you too.

Well - on Tuesday afternoon - I felt warm and so went to kick on the air. It hummed like usual and so I went about my business. A little while later I realized that I was still warm so I went to the thermostat. There was no change - it was 80 degrees inside. I called Clint and we realized that we were going to be WARM. We had to wait until the next day to call Masters. Fortunately that night was in the 60's so it wasn't too bad. The next morning Masters came and told us we needed a new outside unit. Costing...ding,ding,ding over $1,000!! We were excited, yes I said excited because when we moved in we bought a home warranty - for instances such as this. Our warranty expires September 9th!! We made it in less than a month. So our total bill for a brand new air conditioner was (drum roll please) $75.00!!!! Isn't that great?!!

It just got fixed today so we did spend three nights without air. Actually - during the days, I went to my moms to get away from the heat and Tuesday and Wednesday were not bad. Last night on the other hand was quite hot! I got home from Mom's around 8:30 pm and it was 85 degrees inside. We all slept in our underwear last night with fans on us. It was kind of funny actually. Clint and I wet cold rags and laid them on our stomachs - making the night bearable!!

Have a great COOL day everyone!

Jami

I'm a Little Slow Here...

Hi all!
I feel a little out of the loop here! Like Marie, Klint and I don't have the internet (Mom & Dad are pretty generous though) This blog is such an awesome idea. However, I am feeling pretty emotional...reading all of them made me sad. I guess I know now who to pray for. Thanks for sharing your heart everyone!
Well, our fam dropped Seth off at the airport this morning. It was bitter/sweet. I am really excited for him, but we'll miss him. Its going to be weird. I am going to be like an only child for a while. I told mom that Klint and I will keep them company at their house during supper time every evening...I am sure they will be lonely(o:
Hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for setting this up Rebekah. It is so much fun to hear what is going on!!

Love ya all--
Sarah

My Dad's Bald!!

Hello, ladies! I thought you would like to see what my dad looks like bald!! I had to add the sunglasses for an extra touch. ;) Leah, you look like a BABE! And we're praying for you and Seth and the rest of your fam! I can't imagine, Barb...you're children are all sent off, and I'm getting ready to send off my first! =( Kels starts K in 5 days!! I'll have to post a pic of her on her 1st day of school. I love logging in to find a new pic, so if any of you have a cute one, I'd love to see it! We will deffinately pray for Marie's mom! keep us posted, A Bonnie! Do you like your wonder mat?? I love mine!! They're 1/2 price in Sept!! so let me know if you want another one, or if any one else wants one, i'll add it to a party! Sorry, I'll keep my Tupperware bus. out of this blog. ;) Well, have a GREAT day in Christ, all!
Loads of love! the kaebs

Jill's Wedding

Hey everyone...just thought i'd give you a couple pictures from jill's wedding this weekend. it went really good...it was fun...only bad part was i didn't listen to one word of their service b/c i was praying the whole time that i wouldn't pass out...it was crazy..the church was so hot and i had to stand for about 30 min on a 7 inch step in heels...haha, but i made it...i really thought i was going to pass out though...haha, i had to keep my eyes open during the prayer b/c i would get really unsteady when i closed them...:) ...ok, well i just thought some of you might like to see these pictures, i hope that you are all having a wonderful week! i love you all so much! latagatas
lizzie

Our God is So Great

Good Morning Sweeties,

Wow! I've sure enjoyed hearing what is on all your hearts. Rebekah, I appreciate you revealing your tender heart. We all have those same questions and miss your mom so much. The thing that thrills me about what is going on with our love ones right now is that it is perfect. Our great God is the creator of this whole plan and would only plan it absolutely perfectly. What a joy to worship and trust in this almighty God. Not only has he made everything perfect for your mom, but he comforts us in so many ways with his sweet Holy Spirit. As we look back isn't it amazing how he has brought us through so much pain with peace.

Kristy, I'm so glad you are feeling better. What a scare! Our bodies are so complex. Isn't it something how one drug can throw everything off? Take care you so needed and loved.

I feel so bad for what your dad is going through right now. It must hurt you so much. I will keep praying for him.

Just one note to encourage all you Hoffmann gals that our God is so great. We must lean on him in our struggles and remember that the trials will pass. God is ultimately good.

I want to put in a prayer request for Marie's mom. She has not been feeling good for some time and is going in for an angiogram tomorrow. Please pray for peace for Carol and that the doctors can find her problem and find a solution. This is a great concern for Marie.

Love and pray for you all bunches,

A. Bonnie

Sleepy In Roanoke

Hey, fellow bloggers! Hope each of you had a great weekend! We had an exciting (well, not really) start to the weekend, then a VERY relaxing, quiet rest of it. Friday afternoon, I got this terrible headache, but thought it was from being out in the sun all morning, so I took a Motrin, and a nap to releive it. (Praise God all 3 kids took a nap!) However, i woke up sweating profusely, clamy, and very lightheaded. I immediatly took my BP, and it was 174/126!!! I called my Dr's office, and they told me to go to the emergency room, immediately! :( I lost it, called chad, and my parents, -chad left work, and my mom stayed with the kids while my dad took me to the ER. After a mild tranquilizer, and some rest, my BP came down and I was back home in about 4 hours. I've had fluid in my ears, and they put me on a decongestant to try to drain it. Decongestant's are no-no's with high BP, but my readings have been so good over the past year or so that they have been lowering my dosage of BP med, and thought it would be ok to try it. Well, I found out the hard way, that I am NOT to take decongestants! The ER dr said each person reacts differently to them. I feel MUCH better, and am SO thankful it went down on it's own! (with the help of the med) I had taken another decongestant fri afternoon, so once that was out of my system, it was pretty much back to normal. Oh, I almost forgot...my dad got pulled over while rushing me to the er...he jumped out and told the cop where we were going, and he said "go on". Well, he followed us, and STILL asked dad for his license after I got in there, and told dad "that's what ambulances are for, sir...don't let this happen again!"

On a lighter note, Josiah was so funny in church today, I greeted an older lady and afterwards, turned to take his hand, and he was puckering up trying to give her a kiss too! (she had already started to walk away) I told Chad about it on the way home, and he said that's funny, 'cause after I greeted someone, he told him "greetings, brother." Rebekah, thanks for sharing! I think of you often, and can't imagine what you've been through. But I often wonder, "why do I feel so upset loosing someone?" Heaven must be SO amazing...why is death so hard? The answer is obvious, that we miss them terribly, but I guess we just have to think of the JOY and PEACE they are experiencing! Jami, I'll pray for you! It's not fun having no strength or motivation to keep up with your children and home when you're sick!!

Well, before i end this marathon post, please be praying for my dad! He's lost almost all his hair already, =( sleeps alot, has sores in his mouth, and gets sick off and on. Rebekah, I know loosing a parent must be so hard, but it's terribly hard to see them suffer as well!! I almost cried the other night watching him walk away...he looks 10 years older in the last few weeks. Wow, this blog is a depressing one, but I guess that 's what we're here for, right? To lift eachother up? ;) I love each of you, and it truly does feel good to share your pain and your heart with others! I'll stop typing and go to bed before you all get buggy-eyed. =)
Love in Jesus!
Kristy

needing prayers

Hey all -

I have a bad cold and have been feeling "miserable" the past 2 days especially. It makes being a mommy much more difficult because I'm tired and my nose is burning... Sorry for the complaints but I could use some prayers. I know it's not a big deal but I also know that God cares about the small details. Just pray that I will feel better or that God would give me the grace to make it through the day with patience. Thanks all.

Also - Rebekah - you do NOT bore us. I love hearing from your heart. You are an example to me!

Jami

It's Good to Be Reminded...

I have really enjoyed reading all the posts! This blog is really hopping!

It was good to be reminded about being thankful for our kids at each stage of parenting. I guess I was feeling kind of emotional too, Jami. I had been listening to a song that Tami had let me borrow called, "Home Free". It made me very emotional because it was a song that was played at one of Matt's best friend's funerla last year. It talks about how some people are healed of our trials here while others find ultimate relief in Heaven. So of course I started thinking about all the people that are there that I miss. I remember thinking after my Mom died that I would never take for granted my family members again...and to an extent I don't think I do as much. But I don't always remember to thank God for their lives. Just reading Aunt Barb and Mom's posts reminded me of how quickly time flies and the importance of cherishing each stage with my family. Like Jami said, I do love this time of my life...it's just when I'm changing a diaper rashed behind 7 times a day I begin to feel overwhelmed. (I"ll stop there because I told you guys I wouldn't talk about what goes on at that end of Josh!)


We're having company this weekend. Tim and Kari Stoller are coming out on Saturday. They're bringing their little Kasey so hopefully she and Josh get along well. I'm hoping that Josh will be feeling better by them so she doesn't catch anything. So, today I'm doing laundrey and cleaning my house. It will feel so good to have it done.


Yesterday, Tami and I made cinnamon rolls and cinnamon braided bread. It was lots of fun. It was fun because Josh was sleeping the whole time and she and I could just chat while our dough was rising. Tami said she has really surpised herself to find that she actually likes cooking. I think she had some very bad experiences with some flopped cookies in the past and just assumed she didn't know how to cook. (I did find out yesterday that she used to pack her flower down when she would bake...which could deffinitely account for the bad cookies). Anyway, we had fun!


Well, I better run now and not bore you guys any longer. Sorry if I got too emotional about the song. But I guess I feel comfortable sharing with you guys my thoughts about missing my mom, etc. We all have people there we miss don't we? I find myself thinking about Heaven a lot. I always wonder what they are aware of there. I wonder if my mom knew I was going to have this baby when I found out. Will she see us when the baby comes? I guess some day I'll know these answers...they are nice to think about now though.


Love you guys tons,
Rebekah

purdue bound

hey hey hey...thought i'd keep you up to date with whats going on here...mom dad and i moved most of my stuff to purdue today...it was really fun...my dresser was a little big for our little room, but we made things work! it was really exciting to get everything moved in, but also a little overwhelming...it's come fast...i'd really appreciate your prayers as i make this adjustment..i'm pumped, but also a little nervous about it...it's weird to think i'm at this stage of my life already...time flies...well i love you all and it's so fun reading your posts...hope you enjoyed this one;) latagatas
lizzie

Thanks for the Encouragement!

Hello all -

I just LOVE reading all of your posts. Thanks for the encouragement to young moms! I really am enjoying this stage - there are just moments that seem overwhelming. It teaches me to rely on God because I need His wisdom and patience!! I was just about to sit down to write - Paige was putting her baby to bed upstairs :) and Raegan was asleep in her room. All of a sudden, I heard Paige say, "I'm checking on Raegan..." I bolted upstairs and saw Raegan's door wide open! Fortunately, she stayed asleep while Paige checked on her! Get ready for more excitement, Rebekah. Josh will probably want to "help" a lot!

I just can't believe how time flies. The other day I was thinking about when Paige starts school, I know it is a few years off but it will be here before I know it. I hope I'm ready... God is faithful!

Booxs - the pictures you sent are ADORABLE!! Thanks! How do you like CPC. I worked their for awhile before I had Paige. It was such a neat experience.

It is a dark day outside - we all have colds so everything seems a little more bleak. I'm feeling kind of emotional...even though all is well... just reading your posts, A. Barb and A. Bonnie.... I could just cry. :) I love you all!! So thankful for our family! God is GOOD!

Jami

Hello Hoffmann Gals,

Just wanted to write a letter to encourage you young moms. You are doing a wonderful and very important job. I know because I have watched you. Your kids look so loved and well cared for. I hope you can enjoy these precious days. Because like A.Barb said they do pass quickly. I also want to encourage you too Barb. This is a time to mourn and to readjust. I couldn't imagine life without kids at home. But there is life and it is very good. As young moms you invest all your time, love, and energy into your children. Now is the time to sit back and watch your kids use all the things you have taught them. You didn't raise them to stay with you forever. You should be very proud of them. They are great Christian kids who want to go where God leads them. Isn't it great to know they don't go away alone. God will go with them. The only one who loves them even more than you do.

U. Denny and I just got back from our week in the state of Washington. It was beautiful, the weather was like your most perfect spring day. We hiked in the mountains, ate and slept when we wanted. Yes God continues to be good whatever our stage of life.

I will lift you up in prayer. Love you gals tons,

A. Bonnie

Love'm while you've got them!

Just reading over your blogs this week really makes me sad. How i remember those days when i just wanted to use the bathroom by myself and maybe soak in the tub for 15 minutes! And then i turn around and i see one married , one with everything she owns loaded up for Purdue , and Seth packing up for a year. i can't even stop the tears if i try. i am so lonesome and they haven't even driven out of the driveway!

Please pray for us over the next couple of weeks. Leah moves into her appartment tomorrow, school starts on the 22nd. Seth flies out of Indy at 10 o'clock the following Thursday for Tucson and then on to Magdalena, MX. I really need to get a life,so pray that i find one!!

Leah and i are moving a desk, and a large chest of drawers up to a third floor appartment! I hope we are still friends by the time that is accomplished! We are taking Jay's(Mark's brother) work van...this will be an adventure! i'll keep you all posted!

love you all and hold you kids tight...they have a way of slipping away from you!!

A. Barb

Thought you'd like this picture....it's the background on my computer, and makes me smile!

Booxy

A Loving Family

I'm amazed at you moms. I came away from the weekend, helping Marie and Andy with their kids during testimonies and at church and I was exhausted! And I only had Chet and Joe most of the time! You moms truely are amazing. It also makes me think how thankful I am for the wonderful example of parents we have (thanks Mom!). I volunteered at Crisis Pregnancy Center this morning and our director and I were discussing how sad it is, most of these girls have never been loved, which is why they search for love in other ways. I just want to encourage you all to keep loving, we have such a gift to not only know the love of God but be able to share that with the next generation. Luv you guys and I am so so so thankful for you.
Booxy

Monday's OVER!

Jami, those boys are adorable! I can't wait to see them in person! I am SO thankful it's Tuesday! Yesterday was a rough day! One of those days where you've had enough, and the tears just flowed. But today is a new day! I'm already dressed and showered (which is amazing!) and the 'girls' are still sleeping! It's just me and Josiah, and he's happily watching 'pady take.' (Miss Patty Cake) His devotions for the morning. ;)- Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Kristy

pictures!!!

Here are some pictures of the boys!

Jonah Kenneth is in blue - days after he came home from hospital (approx. 1 week old). Me with "my" boys! It's so fun being the Aunt!
Here is Simon Richard - in the hospital!

Paige with Simon...at home (approx 1 week old)



ENJOY!! I'll send more recent ones soon!

Jami

Mondays. . .

hey all-

Today is Monday - my day that I try to get lots done... It's usually my plan to get groceries, do laundry, and just get organized. Unfortunately, here is my more normal experience:

I get up and make my grocery list, get breakfast for girls and unfortunately do not get in the shower, until later... Then we get ready and run to the grocery store. We are budgeting hard so my calculator comes along for the ride. First, Paige sits in the cart with me, while Raegan is plopped on the top, and builds towers out of our groceries. When I pick out each item, I punch the price in adding a few cents for tax. Really I like the challenge of staying on budget but sometimes it is more challenging then others - depending on the moods and actions of my children. Last week I chucked the calculator midway through the store, soon after Paige pulled a carton of eggs on the floor! Crunch!! My mission was then, GET THROUGH THE STORE AND HOME...FAST!! Clint likes me staying on budget but is realizing that food is scarce around the house and he is HUNGRY about week 4 into the month!! :)

After getting groceries, I make my way home and am usually exhausted. All my aspirations for the day have turned into...get my girls fed and to BED!! Then I run to the couch, telling myself that I DESERVE to watch a "Dick Van Dyke" or sleep! (my mom just recently got dad all 5 seasons of "D.V.D's" on DVD so we've been enjoying them!) :)

Once the girls awake, I get a few things done which generally does not include laundry!

Though... when it's all said and done, I usually love Mondays!! :) And, I love you all - Monday through Sunday!!

Have a great Monday!
Jami

You did it, Barb! =)

Congrats, Barb!...looks like your computer will remain in one piece! There are days I feel the same way though. But these days, you can't live without computers, so we just deal with it. Bekah, is the day schedule permanant from now on?? If so, that's so exciting! I sure wish you guys could hear through this thing...my hubby is laughing so hard from watching "raymond", that i'm sitting here laughing too! :) (and I have no clue what's going on in the show) Rebekah, you look BEAUTIFUL! Well, i'm off to bed, so we'll talk to you all soon!

Kristy

Third times a charm!

This is the third time i am writing you guys. If this doesn't work i'm throwing this computer out the back door!! I just get a major run around on this stupid thing!! The last entry i wonder if i posted it on Kristy's new blog!! i'm serious!!

Bekah, i'm thrilled you had a great day on days. The dark ages are now over and you have stepped into the light!! Hope today goes as well.

Rebekah, i had to laugh when i read your last entry. i think you are totally beautiful just the way you are!! I look at our vacation pictures and i say," who is that fat, old lady spread out on the lawn chair?" Oh no, that is me!! Leah babysits most days for a little one year old, and like Joshua he has certain foods he likes. Don't introduce him to hot dogs that seems to be a major staple for little Brock!

Kristy, your mom and dad are officially on my "list" and I am praying. Chemo is not fun at all. I hope it is successful. I know it puts stress on everyone concerned.

Rebekah, you also asked about Seth and Leah. Yes, i will miss them both dreadfully, however; time moves on and i hope God has great experiences for both of them. Leah moves in on the 11 of August and starts on the 22. Seth is leaving sometime between August 18-20.

Seth just got home from his third CPA exam and said it wasn't bad. To me any test that is 4 hours long is a "bad" test. Keep praying, his final exam is on August 12.

Hope this works or Mark's going to be without a computer and won't be very happy with it in a heap in the back yard!!!

Love ya,
Aunt Barb

First Day on Day shift

Thought you'd all want to know how my first day went. GREAT!

Ok, umm, I'm not sure what to say but things went better than I anticipated. It had been so long and with so much else going on I thought it would be hard to focus on work. But once you get in the familier environment with patients who need you it's easy for me to forget about myself and dive back into work. I've become the natural attracter to taking patients who's families are having "issues" with nursing staff. I was a little nervous how the family would react to me and my actions that are meant to benefit the patient. But the family turned out to be very thankful and kind to me..PRAISE GOD!!! I had a few first expiriences with day shift procedures, and that was good too. So I learned alot and remembered why I'm doing my job. Because I love my patients and there's nothing better in life then helping a patient to feel better, whether that's physically, emotionally, or maybe just put a smile on their face for a fleeting second. God is so good and I'm so glad to be right where he wants me right now!

So thanks everyone for your prayers!
Booxy

just some rambling...

Hi Girls! I can't tell you how excited I was to get on the blog today and see all these new posts!! Yeah!! It seems I'm not the only one who has been bitten by the blogging bug. I'm afraid I"m a bit of an adict. I have about 4 different blogs that I visit almost every day. It's pathetic really.

Tonight Matt and I babysat Andy and Marie's kids while they went on a date. It was fun. The kids were all great and Josh is always so happy to be at his cousin's house playing. The depressing part of the evening was looking at Marie's pictures from Hoffmann vacation and seeing what a fatso I am!!! AHHHH!!! It is truly depressing to realize that you really look as bad as you feel! I just have to keep telling myself that I will not look this bad after a while and it is worth it to have a little baby! But for now, it's not so fun to look like a barrel with arms, legs, and a round face!

Some good news from our family is that Josh has finally started to eat more foods. For those of you who didn't know, he basically has been living on yogurt, cereal bars, frozen peas, and bread and crackers. Not a great diet! So finally we discovered (after lots of prayer) that he probably doesn't need to be drinking so much milk. So we give him water most of the day and now he's hungry enough that he's been eating all kinds of new things this week! WE are so excited!

But I don't want to bore you all with news about my kids...this is probably only stuff Mom and I really care about! :) Don't worry, I won't ever go into information regarding what happens when he goes potty!

Well, it sounds like everybody is having pretty eventful lives. When does Seth leave for Mexico Aunt Barb? Are you dreading it? When do you move to Purdue Lizzie?

"When will you stop this boring rambling Rebekah?" ...okay, I'll stop!

Love you guys,
Rebekah

I've finally discovered this!

Hello, girls! This is so fun! It took me a little while to figure it all out, but here I am! Well, I had my "kick-off" party last night! (YIKES!) I'm a little nervous now that i'm on my own, but I got 4 parties booked last night to help me "practice". We'll see what happens!
This is such a great Idea, Rebekah! I didn't even know it was available~I accidentally created a new blog, while trying to enter a post! =0 oops! And now I can't figure out how to delete it. Oh well, leave it to me. Well, I hope you each have a Joy filled weekend! I do have a prayer request...my Dad just started his second round of Chemo treatments this week, so if you could please remember him in prayer, I would greatly appreciate it! He has 12 treatments, 1 every other week, so it'll be a challenging journey for him.

Love to you all!
Kristy

Keep those letters coming!

Hi, everyone! I'm enjoying reading everyone's thoughts and stories. Bekah, I think i would have dropped that beagle off in the desert! Oh well, it makes a great story to tell your grandkids!

Kristy, you are now having tubberware parties? Do you still give away free tubberware gadgets to everyone that comes to the party? I remember going with mom to a party and getting to pick something out of a large tubberware container. That was such a thrill. I haven't been to a party for a while. In Bluffton they have a bridle registry...which is a great idea!

We are looking forward to having Bekah spend the weekend and hopefullly have Tim and Christa come down for supper on sunday (if they get my message on their answering machine!!).

Just heard Clark's weekend is going to be Oct 8-9. We are excited for him and for us to get to come out! It works out great for us since it is the Hoffmann -Walder Reunion.

We are heading to ILL Thursday for Gramm House. Hopefully we will see Clint's and also the new twins. Did you all hear Lon and Sarah Vogt are expecting inFeb.

I'm just blabbing so I'll sign off.

Keep the Faith,
Barb

I'm Safely Home

Thanks everyone for your prayers for my drip. Yes Amy and I made it safely to LA and home with now accidents or problems. Driving through the dessert is something I've never done before...and in it's own way is very beautiful. I mean, from in side the car (outside was 117 degrees!). LA was beautiful and cool (60s at night) and a nice reprieve from this summer heat. As much as I love to travel it's always nice to be home again.
For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about: I flew out to Las Vegas to help my friend Amy move her furniture from LA to Vegas. So we were going to take a Uhaul, but I convinced her that she didn't need her couch (she has nowhere to put it and it's really old) so we decided to take her friends SUV, giving us a place to put her two dogs (yes two) while we travel. Allie is a beagle and Febee is a poodle. Trip out was uneventful. Well, let's say once we were there it was interesting trying to fit all her furniture in the SUV....and there really wasn't room for the dogs in the back...so driving through LA traffic I was the lucky one with two dogs on my lap! We decided (or maybe it was me) that this wouldn't work for a 4 hour drive home. So we found a small (1ftx1ft) area for Febee to lay in the back. So I just had the big beagle...which was fine and dandy until she started going to the bathroom on me! UGH...and of course in the middle of the desert there's no where to stop. So Allie was crammed on the floor at my feet and we had to travle like 20 miles to the next exit, where I changed my shorts and decided I can handle the SUV through the desert. So that was our fun adventure of a trip. Luv you all tons!
Booxy

ps sorry I'm playing with fonts and stuff....learning how to do this thing.

testing! testing!

Hey do you think I can really figure this out?

I'm anxious to hear and maybe even see how Leah's perm turns out. Send us pictures, Leah.

We will be heading to Seattle tomorrow so I wont be able to check this again for a while. Uncle Denny has business out there next week and I'm tagging along. We plan to visit Mt. Rainier National Park. We are really looking forward to some time together.

Kristy I hope your Tupperware party goes well tonight. You will make a great demonstrator. I wish you well.

Christa, I hope you can read the blog. We miss you.

Chelby, you need to keep us up to date with new pictures of Chase. Your Mom says he has really grown and sleeps through the night already. Wow! That is great.

Sarah have you been doing any more painting? You should make a career out of your talent.

Jami, do you have any pictures of your twin nephews. We would all love to see them.

Bonnie

Perm

hey rebekah....
quick question...i'm thinking about getting a perm, and i loved yours....do you remember about how big the rods were that they used on your hair...(diameter)....if not thats ok...just a guess even would be good....yours was soo cute! ok, well thanks!
lizzie

hello hello!!!

Hey girls -

Great idea Rebekah - I've never done this before either - go Aunt Barb!

Hope everyone is having a great day!! I'm happy - the birds are chirping outside my window - Raegan is playing down on the floor and Paige is SLEEPING!! :) Love you all!

Jami

YA YA

hey hey hey, this is a fun idea! great way to keep in touch...hey booxy...if you're checkin this from Las Vegas...how's it going? good weather?...and rebekah, to answer the question about if we're coming out...we'll be in gridley the first weekend in august for gramm house...other than that... i don't know...:) ok, well this will be fun...:) hope everyones having a great day! love ya
lizzie

TESTING

This is new to me. Will this really work?

Barb

Woohoo...I'm the first!

Cool, I'm the first (beside my dear sister-in-law) to post something on this terribly cool blog. This could be really fun you know! Hope to see more notes posted when I get back from the west coast!
Booxy

Welcome to Our Very Own Blog!!

Hi Girls! Welcome to the world of blogging! I hope this blog can be a fun place for us to keep in touch, reminisce, post pictures, tell stories, share prayer requests, or whatever! Here's just a couple instructions on how to post on this blog.

First click on the white button down at the bottom of this page that says "i power Blogger". This will take you to a page where you can sign in. I gave you the username and password in your e-mail. Then you should be sent to a page where you are given the option of "new post". If you click on that then you will be able to add a new post! It should be pretty easy. If you have any problems just comment on this post and I'll try to figure out the problem.

Love you,
Rebekah