The BaanHofman Broadcast Vol. 10

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LITTLETON!

2007

OK, Becky has finally let me write one of these "broadcasts". In the spirit of the season, I'll let my resentment go. I've been begging her for the last 8 years to let me write about our year and she gave in at last (tongue in cheek of course).

2007 has been a year of stability...which has been nice for a change. I've been at the same job for over 2 years now (ok, so it's only 2 weeks over but it's still a record!) and our little family is starting to take shape. We are sincerely thankful for where the Lord has us and what he is doing.

Adelynn just passed 2 years in September and is talking up a storm. She has a running commentary on everything that's happening around her. Recently she's started asking "why?" to just about anything that's said. It can get a little excessive at times but is really very cute. She seems to earnestly want to hear the answer and is just learning the world around her.

Hotel BaanHofman was open again this year for both permanent and itinerant guests and we loved it. We came into the year with my sister, Amanda, living with us who was joined by Becky's brother, Jason, in February. It was a blessing to have family so close. Adelynn loved it and couldn't get enough of her Aunt and Uncle. Amanda moved out in May to her own condo (congratulations, sis!) and Jason moved downtown in September. We almost felt like empty nesters, but that only lasted a couple of weeks! God brought Kearsten (friend of Becky's from Pleasanton where Becky grew up) into our lives in October and she will likely be with us until she gets married in July. We love visitors, feel free to stay a night or two... or thirty!

In August we took a family vacation to California where we were blessed to spend a week at Roger and Debbie's cabin (long time friends of Becky's family...thanks guys!) at Lake Madrone near Sacramento (check out the video at the end of this post for Addie's commentary). When that incredibly relaxing week was up we headed down to Grammy and Papa's house with Becky's Mom where we enjoyed great meals and memorable family time. It's always a treat to get spoiled for a few days! We were also able to stay a couple nights with Becky's good friend Tina with her husband and new baby, Ashley. They were gracious hosts and made us feel right at home.

It's been fun to have company on a few business trips this year. Becky was able to join me for a long weekend in Chicago as part of a tradeshow, both Becky and Addie joined me in LA for a week in November, and Becky and I did a quick overnight to Vegas in conjunction with a last minute business trip to the strip. Having one or both of them along always brightens up the hotel room when I get home in the evenings!

God also had a little trip planned for me that I didn't see coming. In October I found out about a group of 4 men from our church going to India to teach 2 pastors conferences. After some quick decisions, I joined the team and left in early November. It was a life changing experience and one I will always be thankful for.

We thought it would be fun to end with a picture taken for Addie's first Christmas in 2005. We tried to get a similar location and angle to this year's picture above. What a difference!

Addie's first Christmas, 2005.

Another anniversary...9 years, only 1 away from 10!

June 21, 2007

Our last big game night with all the youth group seniors. We had four great years with them and it wasn't easy seeing them all graduate. We chose not to volunteer this year in order to have more family time.

Yeah, I know I have a crazy hairdo but bath time sure is fun!
16 months, Jan. 2007

Floating in Arizona with the Farrars and Schlitts.

As Addie puts it, she is "blowing off" the candles!

Running through the leaves...

She was really excited to carve these guys until she saw what comes out. She was adamant that Mommy and Daddy had to do that part.

In front of the school and church facilities in Siwan, India getting ready for our last day of teaching.

Addie gives us a little commentary (with Mommy and Daddy's prompting) on where we are and what we're doing.

Just a little extra video for those of you with fast internet connections. Addie learned to play foosball at the cabin in California and was excited to learn we had a table right in our basement!

It may have been a first for me!

Last week Cordell was in Canada and of course it snowed and it snowed more than just a little, so I figured I should shovel the driveway. This is something that I NEVER do, but it needed to be done. Adelynn wanted to help and I couldn't find a little shovel, so she helped with a BIG shovel. She actually shoveled for awhile and then for the rest of the time she just ate snow! She would tell me that she was only eating the "white snow" - Good thing! We had a fun time! Check out the video below of Addie helping.

Addie in her snow outfit in our front yard.

A quick video of Addie helping Mommy.

Quick Trip to Vegas

On December 5th and 6th Cordell had a trip to Las Vegas and so I decided to go with him. Cordell's Mom and Bill were still in town, so it worked out perfect to leave Addie with them! We were only gone for 24 hours, but somehow if felt like it was much longer. It was a blast to just be together and relax! On Wednesday when Cordell had to work, I checked into our hotel the Wynn, which was very nice. Then I made an appointment for a pedicure at the spa and was able to just hang out there and use all of the luxurious facilities. That night we went to a fun dinner and after saw, "The Blue Man Group." Definitely, a great trip to get away and have some "couple time".

Us with one of the blue men!

At one point they Tee-Peed the whole audience. It was fun for me to see the show because years ago my Mom and Dad had seen it when it had just started off-broadway in New York. From the stories, they did several of the same things.

At our hotel, they had a beautiful waterfall that had different shows projected on it every half hour or so. We enjoyed sitting out here on the couches under the heaters!

Talking to people about Jesus and taking a shower!

Adelynn and I missed Cordell while he was India, but we had so much fun as just the girls. She was such a good girl while Daddy was away. Besides the office project, we planned a couple of things to stay busy. The first time we talked to Daddy when he was gone Adelynn asked him what he was doing and he said that he was about to get in the shower. So, after that if someone asked her what Daddy was doing in India she would reply, "Talking to people about Jesus and taking a shower."

One night we went to Adelynn's friend Emmy's recital. Adelynn sat so still during the whole show and she loved clapping for her friend. Emmy did a great job!
Picture with Daddy before we left for the airport.

Adelynn had a serious face - she didn't know what to think about the timer on the camera.

Adelynn and her friend Grace at Chuck E. Cheese.

Aunt Amanda came with us on a date to Chuck E. Cheese. Adelynn was a little overwhelmed, so was mommy! She wasn't sure what to think about that big mouse!

Addie liked playing the driving game on Mommy's lap!

Addie wore Daddy's t-shirts to bed while he was away. Notice her "smile" - when I ask her to smile this is the face she makes. After a lot of practice, I think I have taught her what a smile looks like now!

I'm sure glad Cordell is home. Since he has been back he has been having to travel about once a week or so for week, I seem to miss him more now. We're looking forward to Christmas in Texas for some good family time!

Finally - Thanksgiving Part 2

Our Thanksgiving turned out to just be our family and Amanda's friend from Nepal. The two other families that were going to join us both ended up with sick kids! As far as the meal, it was the easiest dinner ever - everyone contributed and Justin did the turkey, so I hardly had anything to cook! It was a great day of just hanging out, relaxing and of course eating! Justin made an awesome turkey. After dinner, Cheryl (Cordell's Mom) and I took a brisk walk, which was very fun.

Addie and Grace ready for dinner!

How cute - the cousins have their little hands folded ready to pray!

Justin with his yummy turkey!

The night before Thanksgiving...Nana had to give Addie a little sampler of the chocolate pie!