BabyHoffman.com

Encouragement

2012-01-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

I came home to this little gem in the mail the other day. It was a card full of amazingly encouraging words from a friend of ours. A friend we don't see that often but a great friend nonetheless.

In it he told us how we - as a family - encourage him so much in his walk. But wait - the reality of it is this - it's really the other way around.

This guy's Facebook feed is overwhelmingly and abundantly positive and he ALWAYS points it straight back to God. How on earth can we encourage him when he has been a solid inspiration for us for a LONG time?

Nope - Jeff... YOU are the one doing the encouraging. Don't ever stop being you man.

He also had put some money in there and said "Go buy the girls some ice cream..."

Tonight was for you Jeff - thank you so much for being the kind of person you are.

Being cut down by those close to you is one thing. But being built back up by those you have friendships with has God's name written all over it. Thanks Jeff for allowing yourself to be used in such a powerful way - even when ya had no idea it was happening...

Love. Not DNA...

2012-01-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

I got this incredibly cool, incredibly accurate, incredibly true t-shirt in the mail the other day from Laura's mom. It couldn't have come at a better time...

How stinking true is that shirt? Man - I know so many incredibly awesome dads who don't share a strand of DNA with their child but share more love than you can ever imagine. And I know some dads who share DNA... and that is it.

Want some proof of the truth of this shirt? Check 'em out...

Enough proof for ya?

DNA. It doesn't matter.

Laying Down Some Vocals

2012-01-25T23:51:00.001-05:00

We recently hit a friend's studio to have Meron lay down some vocals to one of her favorite tracks...

She had a SERIOUS blast! Now I just have to find some time to do some editing...

Tune coming soon!

Puffs and a Pony Hawk

2012-01-24T22:46:00.001-05:00

Rocking some freshly done hair-dos...

And THAT my friends... is a PONY HAWK.

It lasted all of one day - but it was cool while it was here!

God's Timing

2012-01-23T21:43:00.000-05:00

Ever since Brighton went home to be with his heavenly father - we felt a massive shift in our lives. We really felt the truth in His Word and started trying to live our life a little more like this here:

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

I mean - it's in His word. James 1:27. Right there - in black and white.

So we started praying a LOT about what God wanted us to do. Like... why did He give us Brighton? What were we supposed to do with that? We were just still and listened for Him. It took a while.

Eventually we knew we wanted to make a more lasting impression. But man - satan was there at every turn. Those who know us well and were close to this story from the get go know all about it. Pain, suffering, greed, lies, lost friendships, deflated dreams, discouragement and satan, satan, satan...

But this blog post isn't about that or him. Nope, it's about this.

Today - on my way in the house after work I grabbed the mail and excitedly rushed in to the house to show Laura the envelope from the IRS. This was after I had called her this morning and asked her to call them today and pester them about our status. We ripped into the envelope and saw this:

We got it - the coveted 501(c)(3) approval letter. We've been waiting a while for this. And honestly - it doesn't mean a TON to our supporters who aren't giving based on what they get out of it - but for me - it was like final confirmation from God that the decisions we had made - terribly tough, hard, decisions that we cried and prayed over - that they were right. And it also drove home to me that His timing is always right...

We were back where we were supposed to be. An organization recognized by the federal government as a public charity trying to do good work in His name.

Even Meron was pumped and she didn't even know why! But that girl has been one of our biggest supporters and one of the biggest reasons we do what we do.

She can tell you all about babies in Africa who need to be fed, all about her brother Brighton who is hanging out with Jesus - AND she prays almost every night for "the babies in Africa without a family - that they will get a family."

So to all of our supporters, friends, families, mules and fellow fighters in this battle - THANKS FOR STANDING WITH US! We're super excited about what the future may bring for Brighton Their World and are humbled to have you guys walking with us!

Let's feed and cover babies and make a lot of noise...

He Loves Us!

2012-01-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

That's Laura's dad right there... better known as "Poppaw" around these parts.

The girls don't get to see him nearly enough... but when they do - it's all smiles and hugs!

So thankful for the people in our lives pouring heaps and heaps of unconditional love out on our girls!

Can We Watch a Movie... Please?

2012-01-21T23:35:00.002-05:00

Sure... no problem. it's the weekend. You can stay up a little later and watch a Disney flick...

15 minutes after it started... here we were.

Of course - not the case with this one - who refuses to even blink an eyelid if given the rare opportunity to watch some TV...

We called timeout and will resume it tomorrow... #SleepWins.

Day 4: Church In Africa

2012-01-20T23:50:00.000-05:00

The night we arrived at Cannan's they had an ALL NIGHT worship session happening in their church... it was incredible. It was as if you could feel God RIGHT THERE BESIDE YA...

But the morning after our exciting (see also: stupid) new years eve celebration was Sunday and I can't think of anything else we needed more than some more church after almost being run down by some crazy motorcyclists about 8 hours earlier!

Heading out of breakfast I bumped into this guy - Pastor Isaac - the incredibly joyful guy running Canaan's. He gave me a quick rundown of the day (kid's church for 2 hours, then worship, then we introduce ourselves, then the message is delivered... church in Africa can be long!).

And that's when he said it:

"Will somebody on your team be delivering the message for us this morning?"

Panic. Fight or flight almost kicked in. I slowly caught my breath and explained to Pastor Isaac that this would certainly not be me but that I would check with our team to see if anybody was up to the challenge.

I walked away thinking "There is NO way anybody is going to want to do this..."

Heck - it is typically hard enough to get people to pray or share a testimony or just speak in front of a larger crowd (myself included). So in my head I had already prepared the speech to Pastor Isaac about why we wouldn't be doing this but that we were excited to hear him preach...

That's when I came across Stefan.

That's him right there - and he was the first person I asked about delivering the message. His response...

"Sure... I'll do it..."

What? Come again? Wow... Tymm - ye of little faith... one of the young dudes on the team just put me right back in my place! I was excited to tell Pastor Isaac we had us a preacher!

The next few hours were spent hanging with the kids at their church - we sang with them, danced with them, prayed with them. We listened to them recite scripture from memory and share testimonies. We shared a bit with them and I got a chance to say what I say to my own two girls every night:

"You guys are NOT forgotten. God knows all of your names - they are written in the palm of His hand..."

After a pretty amazing time of worship with the kids it was time to go to grown up church. I got called up and introduced myself and said a few words about why we were here - and then let each team member introduce themselves. After some more singing and praising it was time for me to introduce Stefan and let him bring the Word.

Wow... did he ever. I was so excited for him - I felt like a proud dad.

When church let out we spent about 30 minutes hugging every person who was there and then we headed back to our rooms to rest/change before lunch. The rest of the day was spent either hanging with the kids or trying to do some shopping (which was pretty tough on New years Day).

But truthfully - all of that pales in comparison to what today was really all about...

CHURCH IN AFRICA.

Peace

2012-01-19T22:43:00.000-05:00

Peace. It's rare around these parts.

When we get it... we relish it!

No Words Needed

2012-01-18T21:25:00.002-05:00

I HATE rushing through my daily updates from Africa - so I am taking a break tonight and posting a picture that needs no words...

She makes me smile. I am one blessed daddy...

Day 3: Amazima, The Nile and Whole Fish

2012-01-17T23:55:00.000-05:00

Today was New Years Eve and we were scheduled to hang out with Katie Davis and her Amazima Ministry. We were all pretty excited about it - she is doing some incredible work there and clearly gives HUGE shout outs to God daily. Amazima is about a half mile walk from where we were staying so we got to get out and say hi to some of the neighbors as we made our way up there...

And when we got there - there was no mistaking where we were! Katie had put together a huge festival for the local villagers and it seemed like they ALL showed up. We had a great time hanging out with kids and watching some of the Amazima kids show off some of their incredible talents...

Like these guys right here who could hang with anybody in the states for sure (and the crowd LOVED them)...

This kid here was hilarious - he loved our cameras and was trying desperately to convince us to give them to him.

My take-away from this visit was a little boy who had plopped down right in front of me.

He was all alone. His shorts were about 4x too big. His "shirt" (and I use the term loosely) was barely on and was really just a few strings of cloth. He had a big rusty nail and he sat - in the midst of all the laughter and chaos - and was just pounding that nail into the ground with a rock.

I felt God saying "Acknowledge him Tymm. Just show him you see him..."

I fought it at first - I don't know why. But finally we made eye contact and I smiled and waved him over. His stoic little face broke in to a HUGE grin and he scampered over and sat as close as possible to me. He spoke no english. We shared no conversation. I have no photograph of him outside of my mind. But we acknowledged each other. And we hugged...

And I will never ever forget him.

That evening we got to have a little team time. You give so much of yourselves both physically and spiritually on these trips that it's good to be able to re-energize and hang with your team some. We decided to have a dinner out at King Fisher lodge. While planning it - I was asking Pastor Isaac how late we could stay out and should we be back before dark. His answer:

"Oh no - you stay as late as needed in that direction. It's the other direction we don't travel in after dark. The forest is that way and the terrorists hide in there and kill people..."

Matter-of-fact statement... just like that. That's their day to day reality.

While at King Fisher we got to take a quick boat ride on the Nile River - and we stopped at a small island that is at the source of the Nile.

The guide there told us some great back story on the Nile and it's history. They also clearly have enough flowing liquids there (it's the source of the Nile after all) that they felt the need to post this pic:

After returning it was time for our dinner. I had ordered "W. Fish" which I thought was obviously "white fish" or something. I was wrong. It was "whole fish."

And by "whole fish" I mean the WHOLE FREAKING FISH. Tail. head. Beady little eyes. Let's just say the next three days I got to fully understand why Cipro is the drug of choice when traveling. It worked.

That night at midnight only about half the team managed to stay up to ring in the new year. Being the daring crew we are - we ventured out into the nearby streets to celebrate with some of the locals. Things quickly got a little bit rowdy what with motorocycles being pointed straight at us, tires burning and a LOT of people. At one point - Nate - our resident African expert (dude has been there like a billion times) said "Okay - we need to get back inside our gate." I knew if Nate was saying that we were well past "dangerous."

But we all survived and had a great experience to share - and to quote Hayden who had the comment of the night:

"That was really scarey!"

Nothing like celebrating the New Year in Africa! Now to rest - because tomorrow involved CHURCH IN AFRICA!

The Color of Blood

2012-01-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

Meron has taken note of her beautiful skin color. It's not something that weighs on her mind or anything - but she has noticed she is browner than me and Laura. We were chatting about the beauty of her brown one day and I said

"Yeah - but ya know what is neat Meron - check this out..."

and I grabbed a flashlight and held it to her arm. It made a neat red circle around the light. Then I held it to my arm and it made the exact same neat red circle.

"See - the outside is what makes us unique. But on the inside - we are all the same. All of us. All equal and all incredible beings made by God..."

Today I had the incredible privilege of sharing with the girls about an awesome man with an even more awesome dream.

The girls listened intently and as I looked at them I felt an overwhelming amount of love, gratitude and praise for God for creating this man. His work and ultimately his life was given so that I might be able to live in peace with a family photo like I have. I am forever grateful...

Last week - while we had family members willingly being used by satan to attack our family with racial slurs and some of the ugliest language I have ever read - I saw first hand that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream has yet to be fully realized. We got work to do people. We need to keep on moving in the direction he set us all in so that we can one day find ourselves in full realization of that dream.

I can't say anything about him that would outshine his own words - so check out some of my favorite quotes from him:

"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood."

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day, -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

And perhaps my favorite...

"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

Thank you God, for Dr. King...

Day 2: Children in Prison

2012-01-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

We woke up early today and we were all ready to go before our driver was. He was only 30 minutes late... which in Africa isn't late at all! That's right on time...

We jumped in the bus, full of enthusiasm, and headed about an hour outside the city to a pretty rural spot - this is where M1 is located. Today we would be visiting a government run "rehabilitation" center - also known as a children's prison. 60 Feet, an incredible organization doing amazing work in Uganda, has made some awesome progress with the government and has been granted access to these facilities to minister to the children there.

Let's get the formalities out of the way first - this place IS a prison. Bars on the windows, kids locked in a solitary cell kind of prison. A prison where the punishments are nowhere near fitting to the "crimes." The environment is scary at best. Very little supervision or guidance for the children. Meals looked to consist of water mixed with flour. No safe water. Harsh living conditions. It was tough to swallow the fact that these kids LIVE here and that we weren't really just visiting some movie backlot somewhere.

But now lets talk about how much God is here. First off - the very fact that these kids are alive is a huge testament to God. Barely any water, barely any food and hardly any nutrition. What else BUT God could be sustaining them?

As soon as worship broke out in the main boys area it was clear how much God was at work there. Loud, joyful praising was taking place. A conga line broke out (when's the last time you remember that happening at YOUR church?). The incredibly intelligent, incredibly joyful Kenneth who was standing with me said:

"This is how you do it - you take two steps forward, two steps backwards, hug somebody and tell them that Jesus loves them!"

How simple is that? It's so easy and so perfectly right... and so proof of God's presence in this place.

We hung out with them for the rest of the afternoon. We shared testimonies, stories, hugs and laughter. We kicked soccer balls, tossed frisbees and just acknowledged them.

About 30 minutes before we were to start packing up to head out I asked all of our team members to find some kids - 1, 2 or 20 - and just pray with them. I think it's the best thing we have to offer to these kids at this "rehab center."

It was a somber ride to Jinja that afternoon as we all tried to process what we had just experienced. I have been to multiple orphanages in various African nations and I can safely say that this was one of the harder things to see and visit. The injustice of it all has me screaming out to God even though His presence is clearly evident there. Yet again - I learned and learned and learned a ton from these kids.

We arrived in Jinja right as the sun started dipping to one of the most incredible welcomes I think I have ever seen. Pastor Isaac, of Canaan Children's Home (our home for the next few days), stood at our bus door and greeted everybody who exited with a bellowing

"Hellooooo my brother (or sister)!"

and then he buried us in a hug.

After the day we had at M1 - it was JUST what we needed.

P.S. i took hardly ANY pictures on this trip - so special thanks to Taylor and Sarah for letting me "borrow" some of these for this post!

Day 1: My Man Collins

2012-01-14T22:28:00.002-05:00

I recently went on another mission trip to Africa. This time I co-led a team of 26 to Uganda and Kenya. It was another amazing trip (like always in Africa). God was there way before us and He met up with us big time.

We got in CRAZY late to Entebbe and after some confusion around picking us up and lodging it was about 4:00 AM when we pulled in to Kampala at our guest house roughly 24 hours after leaving Washington, DC.

We were tired... but excited.

I managed to be up early enough to catch a nice view the next morning before heading out into the city to exchange some money with Pastor Samuel.

After getting the cheddar squared away - we all piled into the bus for our first day of ministry with Pastor Samuel and his Return Ministry. What an incredible time. It was a fast half day of work but we got to hang with kids, help with their feeding program, got spoiled by Pastor Samuel's wife and her great cooking and then hung out some more with the kids.

I think my favorite time of the day was spent with my man Collins - the little guy in the orange shirt.

He crawled up in my lap after lunch and was having a hard time staying awake. It was hilarious... Every time he would doze off a nanny would come by and try to take him for a nap and he would fight it - HARD!

Eventually he crashed super hard and I was able to carry him inside and get him tucked away for a nap.

The day was over WAY too soon but it was a great kick-off to an incredible 2 weeks...

Right Where She Belongs

2012-01-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

Mebrate is quite possibly one of the goofiest kids I have ever met... and she is right at home in this family!

God built her for us and us for her...

Lacking

2012-01-12T22:41:00.000-05:00

One night while I was in Africa - my girls set the table for four to include me in their evening...

They made me a plate and even had a conversation with me and asked me questions.

Laura texted me in Uganda and told me about it... and I wept. A little from missing them and a little from the overwhelming joy that comes from the blessings I have.

I thought about this today while I was thinking about the people who were attacking us lately. And I really felt God saying "They attack because they lack."

They lack love. Compassion. Relationships. They lack passion. Happiness. Warmth. But mostly... they lack God.

And they surely don't have this...

Thankful to not be lacking at all, but instead overflowing with abundance...

Old Pals

2012-01-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

Love seeing the girls hang out with old pals... especially this one right here - she is an awesome gift from God!

Blessed to know ya and good to see ya!

My Daughters, My Children

2012-01-10T22:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes ya have a day like we had today - where ya almost feel like satan gets the best of ya. Where he uses people you'd never expect him to use to try to break you down...

And it ALMOST works.

But then I walk in the door at the end of the day to this...

And everything seems right again. And as soon as I am done getting bumrushed at the door with hugs and kisses from her, I turn to greet this one:

And after another round of hugs and kisses I realize just how blessed I am.

My daughters. My children. Incredible blessings from God. And no tool of satan will ever be able to pry that joy from our lives.

Sorry satan. You lose.

Moderated

2012-01-09T20:10:00.001-05:00

We have set our comments to be moderated. It kinda sucks - it's not something we wanted to do - but circumstances kinda forced our hand.

While I was in Africa I got a text from Laura that she had been crying all day about a terribly ugly and racist comment somebody anonymously posted on our blog. To make matters worse, it was directed at a 4 year old girl - not me or Laura. And it was from somebody who has been following along for a while.

What started as a way to keep our close friends and family updated on our life has slowly turned into a little bit of our ministry. And it saddens me that after 1,432 posts and 3,570 comments - we have had to set our comments to be moderated.

But I am going to choose to see the positive in it. With me being emailed to approve any comments I will be more in touch with people who choose to say "hi." And that will be a good thing.

Thanks for visiting. And keep on commenting. 99.99% of the time I'll just hit "approve" and the other .01% of anonymous negativity will just be deleted...

Four Years

2012-01-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

Four years ago our son went home to be with his heavenly Father. Four years ago...

Seems like yesterday and a million years ago all at the same time.

You've changed us Brighton. May your name continue to be spoken in our house as long as we are around to speak it...

Fakers

2012-01-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

A Long Way...

2012-01-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

The girls love them some Clay-bear. And seriously - Mebrate has come a LONG way...

To be sitting here with a dog behind her back and a smile on her face... NICE JOB GIRL!

Granny Clause

2012-01-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

Granny Clause brought the girls a dollhouse this year...

That is Meron literally "jumping for joy!"

Way to go Granny!

Hey Mebrate - Do You Like Cheese?

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

Next time ya see Mebrate - ask her if she likes cheese...

You're likely to see this face in return..

I feel ya girl. I feel ya...

Pumpkin Pie

2012-01-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better this time of year than pumpkin pie...

NOTHING I say!

Pretty sure the girls are in agreement...

Vitamin Love

2012-01-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

The girls LOVE their vitamins.

I mean - they really really love them...

I guess there are worst things to be in love with than gummy vitamins!

Hi There 2012!

2012-01-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Looking forward to a brand new year that is shaping up to be...

as CRAZY as the last one!

You'd Never Know...

2011-12-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

You would never ever know that these two best friends, these two sisters, these two crazy little maniacs - were born far away from each other in different regions.

They are simply the best of friends and when apart one is ALWAYS asking about the other.

It's such proof to me of how God weaves our hearts and families together.

I hope their bond never, ever weakens...

Growing Out

2011-12-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Mebrate's hair is starting to really grow out...

And she is loving it!

Your hair is every bit as beautiful as your sister's girl...

Kung Fu Elves

2011-12-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

Cleaning The Plate

2011-12-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

That plate right there - the one that's almost clean... that's a pretty big deal around here lately!

She was pretty proud of the work she put in!

Way to go Mebrate! Chow down girl...

Pink Daddy With Hair

2011-12-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Meron drew a portrait of me on her new dry-erase board...

A little work of art we like to call "Pink Daddy With Hair."

Thanks a ton girl - now - can you make the hair part come true?

Gifts That Give

2011-12-26T23:18:00.001-05:00

We have an awesome friend named Jennifer who has been on both a trip to Africa with Laura and a trip to Africa with me. She also was one of the first ones signed up to go back with us in June/July of next year. Love her heart and her passion for the least.

This year she sent some Christmas gifts down for the girls that were just awesome.

There were princess outfits - cuz what little girl who is the daughter of a Heavenly King doesn't wanna dress up like the princess she is?

But there were also those envelopes the girls are holding. In each envelope was some money and there was a note from Jennifer that read:

"Meron and Mebrate - I admire both of you girls for your desire to help others and know that Jesus is so happy when we give to His children that don't have as much as we do. So, I put some money in an envelope for each of you to use to help someone else."

Uh... awesome! I read this to the girls and literally before I was done with it Meron said:

"I want to give my money to Carla and Evan to help bring their baby home from Africa."

It's almost like she TRIES to make me cry. Man - this girl and her heart. We have some friends who are in the process of adopting - they have their referral of the most precious little boy and we pray for them often. Like most adoptions - it's costing a fortune and apparently Meron has heard us talk about it around here.

I was so proud of her - but really not surprised. When she's not bossing her sister around, whining or pouting like a 4 year old - she has shown off a heart that only God could have built. I love it.

Check them out thanking Jennifer and giving a little shout out to who they are gonna help with their money (not quite sure who Mebrate is going after...)

Thanks so much Jennifer for helping us reinforce the beauty of giving...

A Really Big Deal

2011-12-25T23:58:00.000-05:00

That's about the best present I could have ever unwrapped. My two girls home together - under one roof. A far cry from last Christmas. And to me... a really big deal.

On Christmas Eve we got to be part of the Hope Market again and a bunch of giving, caring people gave a whole bunch of money to Brighton Their World. And to me... it was a really big deal.

Earlier today Meron displayed the God-given sacrificial giving nature of her heart. And to me... it was a really big deal.

But it all pales in comparison when we talk about THE really big deal. So tonight - after the toys, and the lights and the food and the fun all started to die down - here's what we huddled together and read:

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
- Luke 2:6-21

If ya don't know THAT really big deal - man drop what you are doing and go get to know it. Seriously. Go. Now.

These guys right here are still a really big deal to me. But it's because of Christ - and His love for me - that I am able to love them the way I do. Unconditionally. Uninhibitedly. Unabashedly.

Today just couldn't pass without that being said. Merry Christmas everybody!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today was nuts...

Just... busy nuts.

A lot of running around. A lot of last minute prep for my trip. But I got to be with my family - and that was awesome.

And these guys still manage to make it look good!

Merry Christmas Eve everybody!

Meron-y Christmas Everybody!

2011-12-24T09:03:00.001-05:00

Meron wishes everybody a MERRY CHRISTMAS with some singing and some scripture and a guest appearance by Mebrate at the end...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Early Christmas Present

2011-12-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

I got an early Christmas present this year. It came via text message and filled our house with some serious happiness. First - let me give ya some back story...

We spent Thanksgiving out in Little Rock with both of my sisters and their families. Meron and her cousin Sammy are close in age and they got a lot of playing in. You might remember this pic...

On several occasions I witnessed Sammy say something to Meron about wanting to pray - and then reaching out to hold hands and asking her to pray. She did (you know we are some praying fools around this place) and Sammy was just studying her.

On the way back to Atlanta, Laura and I talked about it and just marveled at how God built us - in His image - to desire to come back to Him. Sammy was yearning for that - wanting it - but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. And I knew my younger sister wasn't regularly attending a church or even semi-regularly for that matter.

What I did know was that she grew up in the same house that I did where Christ was NOT at the center of the family's focus (that's a different post for a different day...). So when I discovered the real Jesus - at the ripe old age of 31 - I immediately began praying for those I cared about. I mean - come on - those of us who know Him and get what He did for us - we want others to know it too, right? It's a freedom like none other... and I wanted my sisters to know it too!

After Thanksgiving I heard Wendy had gome home to NJ and her family had found a church that they were attending and digging it. I upped the prayers cuz I knew she'd be attacked - satan doesn't want someone to experience the true grace of God. So we were praying for her and her whole family - especially those kids.

On the way home from work last week I got this text message:

I could not wait to tell Laura. And Laura's joyful reaction was AWESOME! It wasn't that they were in church (we all know religion doesn't matter) - it was this statement right here:

"... it has made our hearts so much fuller this Christmas season."

Ain't that the gospel truth? That's what it does. It fills us up. Hello, Holy Spirit!

I've been riding high on this one all week. So thankful that God uses the little ones to reach us older stubborn ones! And thankful we're built the way we are and that God has the patience to wait us out...

Wendy - we are so happy for you guys and we'll keep on praying that you find that peaceful and full heart not just this Christmas season - but all year long!

Straight Up Weirdos

2011-12-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

The girls love to know what "the plan" is. So when we came in the downstairs door I said...

"Okay - here's the plan. You guys run upstairs and use the potty and get some comfies on - we're gonna take a good quick nap..."

They scampered up the steps while I dipped in the office to grab something. Then I headed upstairs and came upon this...

They are some straight up weirdos!

Icky Boo Boo

2011-12-21T22:57:00.002-05:00

We've had a little winter cold trying to attack Camp Hoffman lately. There's been some coughing. Some headaches (mommy and daddy). Some more coughing. Some coughing so hard there was throw up...

It's all just been Icky Boo Boo.

Tonight Meron took some medicine to help ease her cough...

And that was icky boo boo too.

Mebrate was just watching - didn't even have to take any... and she thought the whole situation was icky boo boo.

I hop on a plane to Africa in 6 days. Seriously - we're ready for icky boo boo to be GONE.

Merry Christmas Cards

2011-12-20T22:51:00.000-05:00

Ya know - we debated and debated - weighed the pros and the cons - had a hard time swallowing the cost when it could pay for stuff like formula - and in the end - just flat out ran out of time.

So... there will be no Camp Hoffman Christmas card in the mailbox this year.

But wait! Don't panic (I know you were about to panic, weren't you?)...

The way we see it - most everybody on our list is probably the same group of people who drop by here so we decided to go one better than another old "open the envelope see a picture" card in the mail.

We made you a craft project!

So start a fire, make some hot cocoa and everybody gather around with your safe scissors and follow the instructions below!

And remember - HAVE FUN - because you are about 45 seconds away from the arrival of your Camp Hoffman Christmas card!

Maybe next year the traditional card will be back in play - until then - we hope EVERYBODY has an incredible Christmas season full of God, blessings, family and fun...

My Joy-O-Meter

2011-12-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Joy just radiates throughout my entire being when I see these two little works of art...

Add their mommy into the mix and my Joy-O-Meter about explodes.

I am blessed. And I am thankful.

Best Buds

2011-12-18T23:17:00.000-05:00

I think God used the same mold when he made these two. Yeah, sure, He got creative with the hair and stuff... but the insides? Man - these two are a LOT alike. They crack me up when they're together and I LOVE seeing them just enjoy each other's company...

Thanks Hayden for being such a dope little friend!

Goofy Is As Goofy Does

2011-12-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

We got a whole lotta goofy going around up in these parts these days...

Seriously - you'd think these two were identical twins with the way their goofy feeds off of each other.

But the cool thing about it is neither goofy ever over rides the other...

Nope - they are equal opportunity goofballs for sure...

Crazy outfits... rain boots in dry weather...

And smiles to top it all off.

Keep up the goofy girls!

Gonna Shake Heaven

2011-12-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Meron's school unleashed this flock of sheep as part of their Christmas program today... and it was AWESOME!

They have put in SOO MUCH work the past few weeks getting ready for this. We couldn't wait to see it. This morning before school Meron looked up at me and said:

"Daddy... is my WHOLE family coming to see me?"

It was adorable.

She spotted us quick when she came out...

But quickly got in to character...

They did a TON of singing with some great dialogue sprinkled in. They talked a lot about worship and brought the show to an end with an awesome singing of "Gonna Shake Heaven (the Christmas version)"

We could not have been more proud of our girl!

Way to shake Heaven Meron - way to shake Heaven!

Good Friends, Good Cookies

2011-12-15T23:30:00.000-05:00

One of our good friends invited the girls over tonight for a Christmas cookie decorating extravaganza...

So after a little bit of this...

And probably a LOT of this...

Our kitchen table has this!

So thankful for friends who love our girls with all their hearts...

Merry Christmas Heather!

Step By Step Hug

2011-12-14T23:42:00.001-05:00

i LOVE watching their love...

These Boots Were Made For Sharing...

2011-12-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

Mebrate has been longing for some Hello Kitty boots like Merons for a LONG TIME.

Meron's toes have been longing for some more room for a while now too.

So this weekend, I looked at Meron in the living room and said "Meron. Go get your favorite boots and give them to your sister."

She looked stunned. I didn't tell her anything about the new pair we had just bought for her - just simply asked her to give her favorite piece of her rock star outfit to her little sister.

"What Daddy?"

She seemed to be buying some time...

"Go get your Hello Kitty boots and give them to Mebrate. To keep. Forever."

What happened next surprised me - but it really shouldn't cuz the Jesus in these girls just keeps on showing up.

Meron got up - slowly at first - and went to her room. She came back out with her boots and handed them to her sister.

"Here you go Mebrate. You can have my boots."

Mebrate looked stunned and didn't believe it at first but Meron kept on and prodded her to take them. With a huge smile from ear to ear, Mebrate slid her feet out of her slippers and pulled on her "new" boots. She immediately reached down, picked up her slippers and said:

"Thank you Meron! You can have my slippers!"

Be still my heart. The size of their hearts and their love for each other just gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME.

That was about the time I pulled out Meron's new boots and she got to do the same thing her sister did - pull them on and prance around in excitement.

Meron - that was one HUGE display of love and selflessness girl. Beyond amazed daily that I get to be your daddy!

Best Ornament Ever

2011-12-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

Her smile is better and brighter than any Christmas light or ornament anywhere in our house...

And the best part? We get to keep it out ALL YEAR LONG!

Thanks big girl for warming our house and hearts with your precious grin!

Blessed By The Body

2011-12-11T20:24:00.001-05:00

We were fortunate enough to be asked to be part of North Metro Church's HOPE MARKET and today was the kick-off day. Their incredible team created this awesome booth for us complete with looping video...

When we walked in together early this morning and took it all in - Mebrate saw this picture of Brighton on the wall and yelled (and I mean YELLED):

"That's my Brighton! That's my brother! My baby brother!

Meron was squealing with delight. Our girls love their brother, no doubt.

We saved the most authentic Ethiopian pieces for today - the girls decked out in their traditional gear. They stood in their little spot for both services with us and handed out cards and told anybody who would listen about their brother and the "babies in Africa that we send formula to... because they don't have food..."

And they loved it!

As I stood there today - with every member of my family - telling people about a place we love and a passion God has placed on our hearts - I am not sure if I have ever felt more full.

Thanks NMC and all those who came to our booth, asked questions, listened and shared generously. You fed babies today. And ya gave God all the glory... proud to call you guys family!

Granny and the Christmas Cooks

2011-12-10T22:40:00.001-05:00

Granny is in town and we're about two weeks away from Christmas. It can only mean one thing... BAKING!

The girls donned their aprons...

and got busy!

And before ya knew it - beautiful trays of cookies like these were being turned out...

And additional miles were being added to my next run!

Thanks Granny for giving these two some excellent memories - and my belly too...

Where You Go She'll Go...

2011-12-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

Mebrate love, love, LOVES her big sister. She wants to walk like her, talk like her, act like her... she simply adores her. She does whatever it takes to follow her and hang out with her.

And Meron is owning the role of big sister well - teaching her well, modeling (so-so) behavior for her and really letting Jesus shine through her lately.

Great job Meron! You don't even have the faintest idea of the power you hold right now (and I'm thinking that's for the better).

Keep up the awesome work big sister!

Hope Market

2011-12-08T23:07:00.001-05:00

We are super-blessed to have Brighton Their World be part of the HOPE MARKET at North Metro Church this Christmas season. We are one of several ministries that you can partner up with to help make a difference in the world.

Meron and I stopped by the other night to drop off some stuff for the set-up and Meron jumped right in and started helping tag items that people will be able to buy - gifts that matter!

If you're in metro-Atlanta any of those upcoming weekends - stop by and say hi... We'd love to see ya!

Gene Simmons and Arnold

2011-12-07T23:49:00.001-05:00

"What you talkin' 'bout Wllis?"

TOTAL GOOFBALLS.

Serious faces are hard to come by these days!

Jesse Tree

2011-12-06T22:54:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at Team Radicchi broke all the rules and got us a Christmas present (and gave it to us early!)

And man are we glad they did!

I have been wanting to get some sort of advent calendar to focus and carry us through December - well they went one better and got us all the ornaments for a Jesse Tree! Handmade with love even!

What is a Jesse Tree you ask?

The Jesse Tree is a unique advent calendar that represents the family tree, or genealogy of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of God's salvation plan, beginning with creation and continuing through the Old Testament, to the coming of the Messiah. The name comes from the following scripture:

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him —
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord —
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."
- Isaiah 11:1-2

Our girls are LOVING it!

We are all caught up and have made it our bedtime ritual now, alternating who gets to put the ornament on. So far, so good - no fist fights have broken out over the ornament hanging duty.

I have, however, on more than one occasion, caught myself singing "Ya know I wish that I had Jesse's tree..."

Thanks so much guys for thinking of us and blessing us with such an awesome gift!

Heart Healer

2011-12-05T23:24:00.000-05:00

Meron Asher. My big girl.

My "Kinda Quick To Whine and Cry Lately" girl.

My "I knock over everything when I enter a room" girl.

My "I have a heart as big as the world" girl.

My sweet, sweet baby girl.

Tonight, I hung up the phone with a friend who lost his son without ever having the chance to hold him. And I walked directly to your room Meron. Your room that was gonna be Brighton's room.

I came in there and just looked at you. Asleep all comfy. I kissed your head. I hugged you. I whispered "I love you sweetie petey..." Like I do almost every night.

And my heart felt whole again.

You have NO IDEA the healing you have done to my heart...

While I Ran...

2011-12-04T22:58:00.000-05:00

I went out for a run the other night and this is what went down while I was gone...

And I came in to the house to these bad boys right here...
Each of the girls was holding a plate while yelling "Surprise!"

They were so excited and so proud... and they should be - they were DELICIOUS!

Thanks so much girls - and seriously - you can do that again ANYTIME ya want!

Eat Good. Do Good.

2011-12-03T22:43:00.001-05:00

Mebrate's birthday fell on the day before Thanksgiving this year while we were out visiting family in Conway, AR. Perfect opportunity for dinner out with the fam!

For her much-anticipated birthday dinner we all piled into the cars and headed to an incredibly cool new restaurant out there called Pitza42

I freaking LOVE this place and what they do. They serve "healthy for ya" pizzas on pita bread and for every meal ya buy they donate one to a hungry child (with a focus in the horn of Africa!). So by visiting here you are able to EAT GOOD and DO GOOD.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this model.

Pretty sure the birthday girl was pumped about both what she was eating and who was getting fed (and where at!).

So was big sister!

You are able to tack on extra meals for the hungry as well - which we did - so coupled with our birthday meal we were able to feed 20 kids in Africa.

Seriously... does it get any better? I think I'd eat here every day if I lived near them. And the owners were incredibly kind and cool.

God bless you guys at Pitza42! Here's to many, many, many more mouths being fed (both in Conway and in Africa). We're praying for success beyond your wildest dreams!

Lighting It Up

2011-12-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

These two cuties were dead-set on us hanging lights outside this year.

So the other night we bundled up and headed out front...

I did most of the work while these two cheesed it up for the camera...

Struck poses together...

And generally just practiced being super cute.

Oh - then their true selves came out as we wrapped it up...

I absolutely CHERISH the time spent with them. Thanks girls!

Almost...

2011-12-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

One of the perks of the new hair-do? We can ALMOST see over!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your hair Meron!

Her Heart...

2011-11-30T23:12:00.001-05:00

As usual I was hurrying as the guy approached us in the Target parking lot. Meron was in the car and I was busy trying to get Mebrate strapped in. He approached quietly with his wife and two young kids.

"This is really hard for me to ask... but we got evicted and I have nowhere to stay tonight. Could you help us out with $20 towards a hotel?"

He seemed legit and humble and... well... cold. And there I stood, in our plastic credit card society, with ABSOLUTELY NO CASH on me.

I thought about how the girls and I were supposed to be heading home to hang lights outside and I said "Man - I honestly have no cash on me." I pulled my wallet out to look (mostly as a gesture of "see, I really don't") and said "I am so sorry man."

"Thanks anyways..." he said and he and his cold little family headed off. I pocketed my wallet and spun around to tighen up Mebrate and saw Meron staring at me. She hadn't buckled in. Instead she had sat staring and listening. And she was clearly upset.

"Daddy... do they not have a house for tonight?"

"I don't think so baby. Get buckled in honey - we gotta get going..."

"But daddy... what will they do? We need to give them money. Can't they go to a friend's house?

"I guess not girl. I wish I had some money to give them..."

"But daddy... we have to..."

She was getting to me. I felt that tug in my heart. I paused... I think I actually sighed... I knew what we were about to do. I pulled the girls back out the car and headed towards the ATM in the Target lobby. When I told her what we were going to get her response was:

"But I meant I wanted to give him money from my piggy bank..."

Trying not to cry in the Target lobby over the ginormous size of my girl's heart, I pulled $40 out and gave each girl a $20.We caught back up with the family and I said "Hey man... my girls were so upset over you guys not having a warm place tonight. We pulled a few bucks out of the ATM for ya..."

Meron and Mebrate handed over the 2 $20's and the look on his face said it all. Confused joy I think sums it up.

We didn't hang around long - just long enough for them to tell us their son's names and what they meant. One name meant "Messenger of God" and the other one meant "Light." Then they asked the girls their names and what they meant.

The girls got all shy so I said "Meron's name means "Gift From God" and Mebrate's means "Light."

Heading back to the car it hit me... 2 girls. 2 boys. 4 names. Same meanings. Nothing but small circumstances separating us all.

We piled back in the Xterra and I called Laura on the way home. Through tears I bragged on the size of our big girl's heart while sharing the story with her mommy.

We still got the lights hung. Thanks God for that huge blessing tonight.

Spoiled By The Aunts

2011-11-29T23:05:00.001-05:00

My sisters and the cousins don't get to see the girls as much as we'd all like to. So what did they do? They went all out and threw a sweet joint birthday party for our M&M's out in Conway, Arkansas!

There was cake that the girls were ITCHING to dive into...

There were boas and crowns for our princesses!

There was anticipation...

There was some serious singing!

There was pin the tail on the donkey (a big hit!)

There was an incredibly cool group of cousins who love each other...

And there was an incredibly goofy group of cousins who love each other!

Then it was time to open some cards and gifts!

And we had two super happy and grateful girls on our hands.

Mebrate's hug and sweet "Thank you, Meron..." when she opened her gift from her sister was priceless...

And then it was time to play!

Stacy and Wendy and everybody else - thank you so much for making memories these girls are sure to not forget any time soon!

Ba Rum Bum Bum Bum

2011-11-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

Yep. It was time to get jolly. And they did not disappoint...

Next stop - SANTA CLAUSE!

Team Loyalty

2011-11-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

The girls and their cousins got to show off some of their team loyalty...

Too bad none of them really had much to brag about this year!

That's okay though - Mebrate still tipped her hat like we won the world series!

Good thing blood is thicker than sports alliance - well - at least in the off-season!

Staying Young

2011-11-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

We finally made it home tonight after a 10.5 hour road trip through torrential rain. But it was worth every second of it - cuz we got to hang with this crew right here... and we loved every minute of it.

I am thoroughly convinced hanging with kids keeps us young. Matthew 18:3 says:

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

That's a no-brainer for me. I wanna be just like these guys. Joyful. Happy. Funny. Loving. Caring.

I'm in.

Oh and then there was this guy. Cooper - the new addition to the family.

Here he is sleeping nose to nose with Will.

I'm telling ya Cooper - once they potty-train ya you are coming to GA for an extended visit - okay???

Thanks guys for an awesome visit and helping us stay young!

Jumping Cousins

2011-11-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

All the cousins headed out to a local jumpy place for some non-stop fun this afternoon. Well almost all the cousins...

Poor Ansley was stuck at the house with her nose in her chemistry book... UGH!!!

A TON of FUN was had but we MISSED YOU a bunch ANSLEY!!

The Thankful Fours...

2011-11-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

We were blessed this year to be able to spend Thanksgiving with some of our favorite people. Lots of kids, lots of food, lots of fun. Chaotic but blessed. My younger sister is a librarian and she brought a cool activity that she does at her library with the kids... cut-out 4's that we all got to write the things we were thankful for on. I loved it.

It got us all thinking about the things - big and small - that we were thankful for. The more I wrote the more I realized just HOW MUCH we have to be thankful for...

Mommy worked with Meron to get her thoughts down and I got to work with Mebrate.

Both the girls said "JESUS" as one of the first things they were thankful for. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their hearts. When I pressed Mebrate for more things she was thankful for she said:

"More Jesus..."

I love it. Me too Mebrate, me too!

The girls loved the exercise... I think we all did. It helped keep us focused on the right stuff.

Thanks Aunt Wendy for a super cool activity and one we'll keep doing every year (and hopefully giving thanks every DAY)...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

Happy Birthday Mebrate!

2011-11-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

Our little girl turned 3 years old today! What a joyous day we had (details to come) - and a FAR CRY from last years birthday for her.

Sure there were gifts and cake and games and fun. And we LOVED it all... but this right here - this love from her big sis - this just made the day beautiful.

Happy Birthday Mebrate - we love you girl and are looking forward to a TON of birthday celebrations with you!

Our Sassy Lil' Artist

2011-11-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

Meron went to a really cool birthday party over the weekend where they got to go to an art studio and paint a picture - and she came home with this little masterpiece...

I LOVE IT! She is kinda hard on herself sometimes as she told me:

"Daddy... I was the only one who couldn't stay inside all the lines..."

I said "Girl - one day - you'll appreciate the abstractness of this bad boy!"

Keep being your own self Meron - inside OR outside the lines!

Lest She Forget

2011-11-21T23:30:00.000-05:00

Mebrate decided to rock a strategically placed name tag sticker - lest she forget who she is...

It should read "100% Goofball." Cuz that's what she is...

For This Child...

2011-11-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today we had the awesome privilege of standing on stage in front our church body and making a commitment to pray for Mebrate and to raise her up to know God.

I was so proud of both girls as we stood on that stage looking at the pictures being projected on the big screen. But honestly - I was more in awe of God. Watching their stories in pictures just shows me again and again and again how much God cares about the redemption of his children.

Check out the letter we wrote to Mebrate below. Laura recorded it and it was played while pictures of her rotated out on the JumboTron.

Mebrate - we love you girl and cannot WAIT to see what God has in store for your beautiful life!

Million Dollar Smile

2011-11-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Meron can flash one of the prettiest smiles I have ever seen...

The pearly whites just grab ya!

And the beauty in it just keeps me staring....

But hey - it's hard not to smile when you're snuggling with such a cutie...

Ain't that right Averie??

Passing The Torch

2011-11-18T19:05:00.001-05:00

So - the time has come. We knew it would happen some time - just weren't ready for it. But it happened this week.

Meron slid on her yellow Beastie Boys shirt that some great friends of ours bought us before she was even home and it Just. Didn't. Fit.

GASP!

It was a tough moment. We all wept. But then we figured out how to make it live on... get that bad boy on Mebrate STAT!

The occasion called for some dancing. Some celebrating. Some getting funky. Some shaking of our rumps.

Do not miss Mebrate's bboy stance she threw in the mix at 21 seconds. All on her own. I am pretty sure I shed a silent tear of happiness. And Meron's nutty face at 57 seconds had Mebrate laughing til she cried today.

Our girl was SUPER PROUD of her new gear.Keep on rockin' it Mebrate! And no matter what Meron says - that is NOT daddy on the front!

Don't worry Meron... daddy is already surfing the web to find ya your next shirt!

Better Than Breakfast

2011-11-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

This is what I got to see before heading out the door to work yesterday. Seriously... and the hugs that followed were pretty good too.Who needs breakfast?

Thug Life

2011-11-16T22:54:00.001-05:00

Meron was showing off her new tat and decided to go the thug route...
And of course O.G. Mebrate wasn't far behind her...

I checked both of their stomachs for any hint of a "THUG LIFE" tattoo but I didn't see any.

Truth be told... it's all an act. These guys are some studio gangstas. All bark, no bite.

Matter of fact - this is how their faces usually look...

Keep keepin' it real girls. Keep keeping it real...

Chop - Chop - Chop

2011-11-15T23:07:00.001-05:00

Meron got her hair cut today.

For the VERY. FIRST. TIME.

And yeah - I was freaking out. A lot. I mean... i LOVE her hair...

But who am I to freak out? Have ya ever seen my hair? I have no ground to stand on. Or hair, for that matter.

And Meron was SUPER pumped when I got home from work...

She met me halfway down the steps, struck a pose and yelled:

"Daddy! It's your haircut rockstar girl!"

She is SO PROUD of it...

And why shouldn't she be? She is looking soooo cute and grown up...

And apparently her hair is healthier now and it will grow out much faster...

Or so I am told. The explanation I got involved the word "layer" like 15x... so I just take Laura's word for it all. She knows a bit more about hair than I do!

Looking good Meron! Rock your new do with pride!

She Looks Innocent

2011-11-14T22:37:00.002-05:00

She looks innocent enough - doesn't she? Don't fall for it!

Mebrate is the last of the house to catch a little funk going around and last night she was coughing her head off. I mean - like crazy. I went in to check on her and was rocking her when she looked up and said:

"Mebrate coughing."

And then proceeded to vomit all over me. I am talking ALL over me.

Next morning I caught her bragging to Meron all about it.

Don't fall for that innocent look!

Here's to hoping she is cough-free SOON!

Happy Together

2011-11-13T23:28:00.003-05:00

Sunshine, tea and gorgeous weather is always better when shared with someone else...

So glad these two have each other!

School Pics

2011-11-12T23:47:00.004-05:00

Laura worked the picture day at the girls' school and we were rewarded with 3 photo packages as thank you! SWEET!

looking good girls. Looking good!

I Get The Job Done

2011-11-11T23:13:00.007-05:00

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
* * * WARNING: Lot's of daddy brag-a-dociousness ahead. * * *
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

If Meron had to pick a theme song for how she approaches school work I am about 83% sure she'd pick Big Daddy Kane's "I Get The Job Done."

Cuz my girl puts in work I tell ya!

Friday night - what's she doing? Her homework - that's what!

And she's knocking it out the park too...

Here's her name on her "L" sheet that she did completely on her own.

And while I was out running she drew me a picture and added a label with my name. Totally by herself (Mommy spelled it for her - she was shocked at the number of "D's" in there)...

Meron - we are super proud of you girl. Keep on getting that job done!

Confidence

2011-11-10T23:35:00.003-05:00

I want my girls to have confidence. Confidence in God. Confidence in their daddy. Confidence that I'll always be there.

Confidence in self.

So last night we went on an after dark walk in the neighborhood. Armed with flashlights we made our way up the street to the front of the yard. The girls were a little nervous but their lights were helping them out.

Then I dared them to walk to a tree about 20 yards away and back. They both did it - no problem. Next up - walk to the backyard fence and back.

Double-dog-dare ya!

Meron was all about it. No fear in that one I tell ya (well... until we saw that spider a bit later). Mebrate opted out of that one. I don't blame her - it was crazy dark!

Tonight Meron and I got another chance at it. She came running with me in the woods and it got dark about a half mile from the car.

Armed with my headlamp - she explored all over the place while I put the B.O.B. up. It's amazing what some experience and 24 hours will do for your belief in self..

Love watching them grow in their confidence.

Just Another Blessed and Happy Day

2011-11-09T23:07:00.003-05:00

Your Facebook wall can be a great place on your birthday. I know mine sure was today. I got tons of awesome well wishes from my friends - undoubtedly the best friends on the planet. But one of them took the time to really put into words the truth about things for me.

She said:

"Tymm, I'd love to wish you a "Happy Birthday" and all of those wonderful happy wishes that go along with it BUT, I peek in on your page just about everyday to see what those little girls are up to and I'm not sure I need to send any wishes your way? Lol...

The smiles on the faces of those little girls tell me that your blessed EVERYDAY and that your life is filled with magic and happiness everyday. I guess what I'm trying to say is that just about each day must seem like your birthday? Lol...

I hope today was just as special as the others but that maybe today was a blessed and happy day with cake? Lol... Happy Birthday Tymm."

Wow. She spoke some serious truth to me!

With these girls...

And these girls in my life - every single day IS like a birthday to me!

There isn't a single thing that could make today feel any better than the rest of them for me. Well - except maybe cake...

Thanks old friend for taking the time to help me see what is right before my eyes!

And thanks a ton to everybody for all of the birthday wishes!

Her Own Drummer

2011-11-08T22:52:00.004-05:00

We came home the other night to Meron rocking this on top...

And this on the bottom. And these were her pajamas... a night gown, some mismatched pants and her rubber rain boots.

I loved it.

And she loved that I loved it and turned the ham factor up for the camera...

One of my favorite thing to do is watch her personality start to develop along with all the tastes, likes, dislikes, etc...

Listen to that drum Meron and keep on walking to it... it's ALL yours!

The Art Of Giving

2011-11-07T23:52:00.004-05:00

When Granny came in to town this weekend to celebrate birthdays with the girls - we love that it just wasn't all about "gimmee, gimmee, gimmee."

Oh don't get me wrong - granny spoiled like granny does...

However - she also came armed with this big stack of Operation Christmas Child boxes for a special project with Meron and Mebrate.

After sending me and Laura out on our first date in MONTHS - Granny and the girls got down to business.

They carefully chose stickers...

They colored intently...

They wrote messages...

And used more stickers (stickers around here are like cowbell - you can never have enough - MORE COWBELL).

And they packed toys, necessities and love inside 10 boxes. That means 10 kids around the globe are gonna have a little bit of a brighter day this Christmas.

I love that granny did this with our girls with great intention - and I love that they were all about doing it with her.

National Collection Week is November 14-21... so you got plenty of time to fill up a box or two or ten!

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

Oh... Be Jealous!!

2011-11-06T22:30:00.005-05:00

I took the ABSOLUTE BEST 60 minute nap with these cuties today...

On a breezy, sunny fall day. Outside in our front yard.

Inside a gigantic Strawberry Shortcake bouncy house.

Snuggled up all cozy between my two favorite Ethiopians - only thing missing was mommy!

Thanks girls for the best nap of the year!

Celebrating M&M

2011-11-05T23:25:00.009-04:00

Today we had a big ole joint birthday party to celebrate the birth of these two ridiculously incredible blessings in our lives...

it was a big celebration for our CRAZY M&M's!

Meron just turned the big 0-4 and Mebrate is quickly approaching 3!

There were M&M's everywhere to help us make much of the days that these two came in to being.

And our awesome friends helped us say "who needs 'em?" to presents and brought a bunch of formula instead. We have the best kind of friends!

I went outside the theme and got a Strawbaby Shortcake (as Mebrate calls her) jumpy house. Meron was STOKED to see this sitting in her front yard.

We ate yummie goodies...

bounced in the jumpy house with friends...

played with balloons...

hung out with some of our best buds...

jumped on the trampoline with our friends...

hung out with some more of our best buds...

enjoyed good front-porch conversation over snacks and drinks...

and hung out with even more of our best buds!

Then it was time for everybody to circle up and sing to the birthday girls. Granny led the chorus while daddy...

struggled to light the candle in the wind. But I LOVE this picture.

Not because my ugly mug is in it - but look close at Meron. Half the hood is circled up singing to her and whats she doing? Holding her little sister's hand so tight and focusing in on Mebrate's face... I absolutely love her heart.

I finally got them lit long enough for them to be blown out... and cake, ice cream, M&M's and fruit were consumed...

We played around for a little while longer and then everybody trickled out one-by-one until eventually it was just me and 2 pooped out girls on the trampoline...

I grabbed both of them and we lay there staring at the sky. I asked the girls what they thought about when they saw the perfectly blue sky. Meron said "God!"

Mebrate said something that sounded like:

"Mebrate.... birthday... like... yes!"

We were all spent - but I didn't want it to end. We prayed about birthdays and friends and formula and the "babies in Africa" and then headed inside.

These days are special to me. Inside I am celebrating so much more than 3 and 4 years of life. I am celebrating the eternal business of redemption that God has been in since the beginning of it all... and not just that - but that He cared enough to save me and then not stop there but go on to give me a 24/7 daily reminder of just how freaking much redemption means to Him.

It continually floors me.

Big giant thanks to everybody who came out and celebrated with us at a party that would have made House of Pain proud with all the jumping around.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERON AND MEBRATE. WE LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

Mebrate-licious

2011-11-04T22:28:00.003-04:00

Mebrate was blessed with some early birthday presents tonight... and she was pumped!

Thanks guys for putting a Pinkalicious smile on her face!

They Love Each Other

2011-11-03T21:17:00.003-04:00

I absolutely love this picture. It totally captures the relationship between these two.

These two sisters.

These two princesses.

These two daughters of a heavenly king.

Tonight at bedtime - Mebrate went to use the potty - and on exit she panicked a little as she said:

"Hang on Mommy - Hang on...

Meron has not hugged me... Hang on."

And she scampered back into Meron's bed for a goodnight hug.

They love each other.

And I love that.

Next Time Won't You Wing With Me...

2011-11-02T23:55:00.004-04:00

Mebrate has FLOORED us with her language. I mean - it's nutty. Never once have we had a problem communicating and seriously - in 2.5 months I would say she is fluent (well - as fluent as a toddler can be!)

I'm sure it's largely due to singing along with Alphabet Radio...

We LOVE her little accent - hoping it takes its sweet time to disappear.

Holy Schnikes - She's Four!

2011-11-01T22:28:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Meron!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH BIG GIRL!

Rock Star and a Chicken

2011-10-31T23:56:00.002-04:00

I don't think we'll ever come close to topping Troy Polamalu as a Halloween costume - and this year the decision wasn't all daddy's - I had the input of some strong-willed little ones who knew what they wanted!

So we hit the streets with a sassy rock star...

and a comfy warm chicken!

Big sister helped put our wide-eyed chicken at ease...

she was WAY freaked out at first...

But Meron - complete with make-up and everything - helped her sister understand the pure genius of free candy for nothing more than looking cute...

Mebrate caught on quick and was divvying up her stash with her buddy Hayden before long...

This motley crew just keeps on growing from all over the world as they continue to do life together. We love it!

Being cute for candy is exhausting... the ride home proved it...

Heres to another weird American tradition being introduced - dressing up, candy and laughter with friends helped a lot!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Hair We Go...

2011-10-30T21:20:00.003-04:00

A while back we had an anonymous commenter let us know what they thought about our skills with our girls' hair. Hey Mr. or Mrs. Anon... if you're still out there - are we doing any better?

For the record - we don't care what those anonymous folks think!

We do what we like...

Fall Classic

2011-10-29T21:38:00.005-04:00

And you thought the Rangers and the Cardinals were the only ones playing late into the fall...

Meron wrapped up her season this morning with a last game in some chilly 45 degree weather. I begged her to walk up to the tee and point to the left field fence before hitting - she wouldn't do it.

I'll keep working on it.

She was pretty pumped about her cool participation trophy.

Meron - mommy and daddy are SO PROUD of you girl. You showed focus, respect, attentiveness, teamwork, the ability to take direction and excitement. And all while having a bunch of fun.

WAY TO GO MERON! (the A's outfit is killing me but I had no say...)

Mebrate See, Mebrate Do

2011-10-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

There is no denying the fact that Mebrate LOVES her big sister. If Meron does it - Mebrate is not far behind.

Here's her take on Psalm 139:14 - complete with an adios to the single ladies and everything...

Bye Single Ladies!

2011-10-27T21:27:00.005-04:00

Meron dropped her favorite verse on us again tonight. I have searched all over YouVersion and cannot find the version that ends with:

"Bye Single Ladies!

The girls is nuts.

And I love it.

Help!

2011-10-26T23:59:00.002-04:00

Not what I wanted to see Google.

Not what I wanted to see...

Oh, Play Me Some Mountain Music...

2011-10-25T23:06:00.005-04:00

Last Friday we got up at the butt-crack of dawn like we always do to get ready for work and school. I called all the girls in and lined them up on the bed and said:

"Meron... you're not going to school today. I'm not going to work today. Mommy - you're not going running this weekend. Go pack - cuz we're leaving on a family trip in an hour!"

We have been richly, richly blessed by the friendship we have developed with an incredibly cool family we met through church. Actually - Meron brought us together because these guys served in the children's area at our church as a whole family - and about 2 years ago they started teaching Meron's class.

You've heard us talk about them before on here I am sure. They have poured so much love in to Meron and they have prayed with us to Africa and back for Mebrate and they honestly are just an incredibly cool, inspiring family.

And now - they were offering us a free weekend at their cabin in the mountains. Uhhh... HECK YEAH!!

This was our view around lunch time on Friday...

From the back porch of our mountain home for the next few days!

We spent friday soaking in the views, checking out the GORGEOUS cabin and then we headed in to the downtown area of Blue Ridge. What an awesomely cool town. We cruised up and down checking out some of the fun shops and then headed to Blue Jeans Pizza for a delicious dinner.

When we finally made it back to the cabin the sun was setting and the view was out of this world. We all hopped into the hot tub on the back porch and watched as darkness crept across the mountains. The girls got a little freaked out by the dark so we headed inside and hung out for a while before all crashing early.

The next morning we were up early and heading into town again for the Fall Festival that included a "pet parade" that the girls were excited about. On the way to find a good spot Meron blurted out:

"Hey mommy! Look at that ballerina pig!"

Say what? We spun around and sure enough - right there was a... well... a...

BALLERINA PIG! Meron loved it...

Next came the dogs and everyone (including Mebrate!) loved it.

There were even some Alpacas dressed as the Blues Brothers - it took Laura a minute to get it - she thought they were Amish Llamas.

Awesome.

Meron was quick to jump right up for a photo with Sparky the dog...

Mebrate... uh not so much. Not even a high five. Sorry Sparky. Maybe next year.

After a quick pause for "Breakfast Part II" - a cherry turnover made fresh from a local German bakery (Meron's choice) - we packed up and took the short drive to Burt's Pumpkin Farm!

The girls were loving it...

And we even ran into some friends that we have been meaning to connect with - totally random. Go check out the incredibly cool ministry they run in Uganda called Sixty Feet.

Next it was hayride time...

2 miles through the farm...

with great weather... it was good!

Once we were back the girls decided to each pick out a pumpkin... their respective gourds seemed to fit their personalities too - Meron's was gigantic and Mebrate's was petite.

After Burt's we headed back to town - grabbed a late lunch at a local spot, chased it with some ice cream and headed back to "our new house" (as Meron was calling it).

We decided to hot tub it up again since it was still light out and the girls wouldn't freak out.

I am pretty sure the girls were loving this new experience...

All THREE of them!

After the hot tub it was jammies...

A cozy fire and an introduction to smores...

And then we all huddled up a little later to watch "Tangled." Oh that lump under the pink blanket? That's Mebrate. She was scared of the witch but between you and me - I think a lot of it was an act!

We were all sleeping in the same room and the next morning I watched as Meron woke up and pulled the curtains back and stared out the window at this:

She paused for a long while there and then turned around. She saw me looking at her and said:

"Daddy! Those mountains are so beautiful!"

I loved it... I see so much of God in nature - it's one of the main ways He speaks to me - and I just loved her seeing the beauty in the mountains like I do...

This was our last morning here and we were determined to make the most of it. We ate some quick breakfast and headed outside for a hike...

To the girls - it was a TREASURE HIKE... we armed them both with "treasure bags" and sent them off to find treasures...

like colorful leaves...

and itty bitty pine-cones!

They were loving every minute of it and they did not want this day to end. At all. I don't think any of us did.

Eventually - it was time to head back to the cabin and pack it in for the ride back home...

We did our final walk through the gorgeous cabin. Spent one last long extended minute on the back porch soaking in the incredible views. And then all piled in to the Xterra and headed down this road...

Our friends had this awesome pillow on their couch that just made us laugh out loud.

Michael, Mary Beth, Sean and Michael - thank you guys SOO MUCH! You really gave us a true blessing and treat. And ya know what - we love you guys even without the cabin!

I Love My Family...

2011-10-24T23:21:00.003-04:00

I freaking love my family. I mean... a lot.

Does that make me sappy? Wimpy? Soft? Nah... it just makes me in love with my family.

These girls have taught me so much about love, trust, faith... and God.

I am stupid blessed.

Kick-Butt Weekend!

2011-10-23T23:21:00.002-04:00

These girls had a fantabulous weekend...

Lots of fun, firsts and family time.

It was just what we needed.

Details to come... after some sleep!

Ooops!

2011-10-23T22:25:00.001-04:00

I screwed that one up, didn't I?

I host all of our pictures on www.babyhoffman.com and well... I inadvertently let that bad boy expire.

OOPS!

All renewed now and just waiting for the DNS to go through...

Comfy Couch and a Cookie

2011-10-22T20:38:00.001-04:00

I am pretty sure that's about all they need to be good and happy...