The Hoffman Family Adventures: DPP2014

Things are trucking along here at the Hoffman House. Feeling blessed by being surrounded by family and friends tonight - for so many reasons. Rich and I are completely surrounded by really fabulous people in our lives. But today - our hats go off to the grandmas. We have only survived this week because of their sacrifice and support. Monday, Rich was out of town and I had a work day that was going to go from 6:30a-6:30p. Like most people, we don't have child care options that support that kind of day. Marilyn (Rich's mom) rescheduled an appointment, came and stayed the night, and babysat most of the day. My mom, Omom, came and relieved her so that she could get to our niece, Sydney's, Christmas program and I could finish my work day. Today, Marilyn saved the day again. My busy Tuesday that I took to be with Brandon - was all moved into an already busy Wednesday. Rich is rarely able to take sick days as his work is pretty inflexible. Marilyn, sweetly, came again to be with Brandon and Katherine. You will note in the pictures that they are in their same sleepers -- this is a no judgment zone - so don't judge. Rich and I /may/ have missed that tiny little item on our to do list this morning. :) Since there are finals and graduation this week - tomorrow and Friday are not any better. Omom saves the day tomorrow and is missing something to spend the day with Brandon. Fingers crossed that he stops running fever soon so that he can go back to school on Friday - if not, anyone wanna babysit?!?! We are lucky to have such great family.

And if that wasn't enough - Pawee, Kevin, and Omom dropped by tonight with an early Christmas present. It was this year's Hallmark singing snowman toy. We have several and they are the kids favorite Christmas decorations. Needless to say - it was a hit. This picture was my favorite today - and I am calling it "Good buddies." These two have become fast friends lately. Katherine used to break Kevin's heart on a regular basis by crying any time Kevin spoke to her or looked at her. He won her over with a YouTube video of Beaker from the Muppets singing Ode To Joy. Now she loves Kevin dearly and she sings "Mee mee mee mee mee" to something that sounds a little like Ode To Joy on a daily basis.

Here are some more pics of the early present. The presentation:

During this same visit - Elizabeth snuggled up to Omom - ever so sweetly. One might think this was a sign of affection but it was not. While E loves her grandparents dearly, she was working Omom over on this one. She had a certain set of pastels she wanted for her art work and I had told her that we were all done shopping for her. I could hear her saying to Omom, "I knew I should ask you because you are the only one who would know exactly what I was talking about. Everyone else would probably get it wrong." Smart play, Elizabeth, smart play.

Another fun little gem from this snuggle time was after Omom asked Elizabeth how basketball practice went. Somehow that questioned turned into to Elizabeth stating quite matter-of-factly, "Yea, I am going to be really good someday and probably play basketball in the NFL." I would say she would have to be exceptionally good to get to play basketball in the NFL. We all wished her the best of luck.

Here is our sick little man - looking slightly less pathetic than yesterday. He is giving me a smile today - so that is good! :) Omom was doing her part to cheer him up.

Ben was all about being with his Daddy tonight (see the picture above too) and was proud to be "handy" like Daddy tonight. We are having our basement painted and Rich and Ben went to fill in cracks and holes.